Super!


On 13 Dec 2005 16:37:31 -0800, wrote:

They got 'em!

Good job.


Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District


Press Release Date: Dec. 13, 2005
Contact: PA2 Adam Eggers
(206) 220-7237

COAST GUARD IDENTIFIES BROOKINGS, ORE., HOAX CALLERS

SEATTLE - The Coast Guard has identified three teenagers suspected of
making four hoax calls in Brookings Harbor, Ore., which expended
several thousand dollars during more than 20 hours of searching by
Coast Guard and local responders.

Anonymous callers provided crucial tips that led to the teenagers and
will receive a Crime Stoppers reward.

The first hoax call was received by the Coast Guard in early October
from an individual claiming to be on a disabled recreational vessel.
For nine hours, two 47-foot motor lifeboats and a mobile shore unit
from Coast Guard Station Chetco River, Ore., and an HH-65 Dolphin
helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, Ore., searched for
a boater in distress.

In mid October and again at the end of October, the Coast Guard
received radio transmissions from vessels claiming to be in distress
and in need of assistance. During those cases, two 47-foot motor
lifeboats, three mobile land units and a 25-foot response boat were
launched to assist.

The Curry County Sheriff and Brookings Police assisted the Coast Guard
with the investigation.

The Coast Guard, in collaboration with other federal, state and local
agencies, is considering enforcement options.

Media interested in conducting interviews about these hoax cases should
contact Master Chief Dunn at (541) 469-2242.

The Coast Guard reminds individuals that false distress calls place
unnecessary risk on would-be rescuers and interfere with legitimate
search and rescue cases. False calls also cost taxpayers hundreds of
thousands of dollars annually. It costs approximately $1,200 per hour
to operate a Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat, while a helicopter or
larger cutter may cost from $9,000 to $12,000 an hour.

To listen to an audio clip of one of the hoax calls, click on the
following link: http://www.piersystem.com/clients/uscg-13/48112.mp3



###

The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service
within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and
security of America.







View this document online
U.S. Coast Guard - 13th District
13th District Public Information Site

--
John Herring

Hope your Christmas is Spectacular!
....and your New Year even Better!