05/19/2026
This boat cost taxpayers over $55K and placed search crews at risk!
Why?
Look closer at the device in the rescue swimmer’s hand… That’s the emergency beacon that sent out a distress signal to the Coast Guard triggering a full-scale response involving a helicopter, 2 boat crews, and 2 Coast Guard command centers.
The search was prolonged because the beacon’s registration wasn’t updated, making it impossible to quickly verify if anyone was in danger. Our aircrew eventually traced the signal to this derelict boat, confirming it was a false alarm.
This single incident is part of a larger trend.
False distress notifications result in expensive searches that place our crews’ lives at risk and divert critical resources from actual emergencies.
You can be part of the solution. Here’s how you can help:
• Register Your Beacon: Taking a few minutes to register your EPIRB and keeping it updated is the most effective way to help. Plus, it’s the law! You can do that here: www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
• Report Accidental Activations: Accidents happen. If you accidentally activate your beacon, call 1-855-406-8724 for a maritime location, 1-800-851-3051 for an alert on or over land, and in Alaska, 1-800-420-7230.
• Dispose properly: Dispose your EPIRB according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Your shared responsibility helps our crews remain ready to respond when it counts.
The name of the vessel has been digitally obscured for privacy.
