August 20, 2014 — It's a disturbing new trend. The U.S. Coast Guard says they're receiving more fake distress calls than ever.
Officials say it's only risking their lives and costing taxpayers more money. A lot more money. It costs close to $100,000 a day for every search.
WITN caught up with Senior Chief Jeremy McConnell on Wednesday. He's the officer in charge of Coast Guard Station Fort Macon. McConnell says there's been seven fake mayday calls so far this year, compared to only two hoax calls in 2013.
"You're sending people out in really nasty weather. Searching for nothing. Putting people in danger," says McConnell. "And not just that. It takes us away from helping another mariner. It's imperative that we be able to help and support the public in the way it needs to be helped."
Read the full story and watch the video at WITN