3 Eastern NC men at center of Coast Guard S-O-S prank

Costly Calls in Coast Guard Fake Distress Signals (Added: March 15, 2010)

Three men in the east face heavy fines and possible jail time, after pleading guilty to sending false distress messages to the Coast Guard in Morehead City. (more)

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3 Eastern NC men at center of Coast Guard S-O-S prank

Ring leader agrees to $234,111.00 in search & rescue costs

By: Arthur Mondale | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: March 15, 2010

Morehead City
Three men in the east face heavy fines and possible jail time after pleading guilty to sending “false duress” messages to the US Coast Guard in Morehead City.
The Coast Guard says the groups ring leader made at least two dozen fake S-O-S calls within a year.
The words “Mayday-Mayday” are taken extremely seriously by members of the US Coast Guard---whether it's real life distress or a hoax.
"It takes us away from potentially responding to actual distresses and it needlessly puts our crews in harms way...hoax calls are never acceptable,” said Lt. John Strasburg.
When recue crews hear of distress, they attempt to locate and spend money on resources to get search and rescue help on the water as quickly as possible. Using helicopters, small boats, and people in the command center helping to coordinate where the need to go.
While Us Coast Guard public affairs refused to disclose specific details regarding the current investigation, 9OYS was told 25-year-old Jeremy Fisher of Holly Ridge made at least 22 false distress calls.
His co-defendants 22-year-old William Yates of Sneads Ferry and 21-year-old Steven Medina of Onslow County also pled guilty to participating in the random calls.
Fisher agreed in court to pay $234,111.00 in search and rescue costs.
His co-conspirators will pay roughly $800.00 combined.
It's a lesson on why pranks aren't always fun and games, one that first cost the taxpayer and will now cost those who pulled it.