The caller makes crazy threats such as, “Shut down all airports of America or I will set off depth charges,” but the outrageousness of his assertions does not mean that the individual does not pose a threat to Coast Guard personnel or others on a more prosaic level, i.e. with a gun. The Coast Guard believes the source of the broadcasts is somewhere in Manatee or Pinellas counties on the Gulf Coast of Florida and hopes someone may recognize the caller’s voice.
The Coast Guard is seeking information regarding a person making threats and hoax calls on marine band radio off the gulf coast of Florida.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center received the latest threat on Aug. 13, 2019 via VHF channel 22A.
The Coast Guard is seeking information regarding a person making threats and hoax calls on marine band radio off the gulf coast of Florida.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center received the latest threat on Aug. 13, 2019 via VHF channel 22A.
TRANSCRIPT
(Radio static) – [Man’s voice] Attention all Coast Guard stations. I say again, attention all Coast Guard stations. The next time you scramble any aircraft or any aircraft carrier, we’re going to bomb their fucking jets. You understand me?
Number two, the next time you send off any aircraft or any aircraft carrier or helicopters, I will set off every depth charge in the Gulf and sink your shit. That’s number two.
Number three, you’re to close all airports of America, or I will set off depth charges.
Number four, the next time I see one of your planes in the air, I’m going to shoot that plane down and kill the pilot and the passengers, that’s number four. And I’m going to sink your ships, all with depth charges.
You are playing with the Russian government, I should send you back the fuck off. ‘Cause if you go back the fuck off, you’re going to lose a lot of Coast Guardsmen, you understand me?
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO
In this call, the male caller makes threats against the Coast Guard personnel, aircrafts and vessels. The broadcast sounds like the same person who has made other radio broadcasts that start with MAYDAY three times and then talks about, “scrambling all jets we are under nuclear attack.”
Penalties for making false distress calls and hoaxes can include up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, plus the cost of the search.
“Hoax calls are costly to the taxpayer and our service,” said Charles ‘Marty’ Russell, resident agent-in-charge of the Coast Guard Investigative Service office in St. Petersburg. “When the Coast Guard receives a distress call, we immediately respond, putting our crews at risk, and risking the lives of boaters who may legitimately need our help.”
If anyone has information leading to the identification of a hoax caller, please contact the Coast Guard Investigative Service St. Petersburg at (727) 535-1437 extension 2308.
