Coast Guard investigators seek to identify voice in as many as 16 hoax calls

U.S. Coast Guard investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify a voice in apparent hoax calls.

Investigators said a series of as many as 16 falsified distress calls were transmitted over VHF channel 16 beginning on Feb. 17.

The calls are believed to have originated from the Strawberry Point area in Baltimore and consist of an individual calling out for help with no location or description of their vessel or nature of distress.

“Hoax calls such as these are no joking matter and have a direct impact on our search and rescue readiness,” Cmdr. Roberto Concepcion, chief of response for Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region, said in a statement. “Our crews and watchstanders may be distracted by these hoax calls, diverting their attention from potential, real emergencies elsewhere, putting people’s lives at risk.”

Anyone with information, or who recognizes the voice in the audio clip, is asked to call the Coast Guard Investigative Service tip line at 410-576-2555. CGIS is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest or prosecution of the hoax caller.

Read more: WBAL