Crying Wolf

Holy Grail

Member
Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2005
RO Number
17953
Messages
474
Happened again last night. We went out to get some gas near Seaford around 7:30, turn on the radio and hear everyone and his brother racing towards the flats just south of Florence Beach. Sea Tow, Boat US, TOB Constable all really racing.

We had just come out, so didn't hear the oringinal radio call. Then the Massapequa Fire Department comes on Channel 16 to reach TOB. Next, it's the Coast Guard getting involved.

We come around the corner, watch the TOB Constable rip through the flats at top speed, watch and listen.

Sea Tow gets there first and calls off the TOB, telling all to slow down. Massapequa FD is still trying to reach TOB, Coast Guard is also calling back and forth.

TOB gets there and slowly creeps out in extremely shallow water towards a 35' Formula who had run dead aground. As he gets close enough, it appears he rips the guy apart verbally but we're far away so not too sure.

At the gas dock we were told by some responding that the guy in the Formula ran dead aground... and called in that he had flipped and was on fire! Of course he denied it, but a few who responded knew it was him.

I will never understand why people do this kind of thing. It was later, TOB was clearly docked back at base and had to fly up a long canal just to get out into the Bay. All the other people responded through challenging depths... and then poof... false call.

No respect. But nice to know if there was a serious need, they were all out there and on the scene lightning quick. Hopefully none of us will ever need it, but you have to appreciate what they offer and how good they are... all of them... especially the Sea Tow and Boat US guys who are always there to help in serious need.
 
It is nice to know that if you have a real emergency on the south shore that you have the Coast Guard, Nassau County and Suffolk County marine police and aviation units, numerous bay constables and local fire departments as well as SeaTow and Boat US who will respond.

Some time ago I was performing a fire drill on my vessel and simulated a scripted mayday call. Unfortunately, my mike was keyed and after the simulated call I heard the Coast Guard, police, fire and aviation units all responding to my location. It was the longest minute of my life waiting for the radio traffic to clear so I could broadcast that I was performing a drill and to stand down. All was ok after that but I could not find a hole deep enough to crawl into. It was reassuring to know what kind of response is out there!

Adam
 
Exactly my point AF. We're lucky that if the need is ever there, so are they. All of them.
 
The CG records all radio messages and I know they have used them for prosecutions. Would be nice if they went after this clown, if in fact he transmitted a false mayday.
 
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