TAMPA BAY, Fla. -- The Coast Guard is seeking information regarding a person making threats and hoax calls on marine band radio off the Florida gulf coast last month.
The call was made on August 13, 2019. It was received at the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center via VHF channel 22A.
"The next time you scramble any aircraft off any aircraft carrier, we're going to bomb your ****ing jets," the man says. There were also threats to set off depth charges on ships and to shoot down jets.
"You are playing with the Russian government. I suggest you back the **** off," says the caller.
The Coast Guard says 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.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Coast Guard Investigative Service St. Petersburg at (727)535-1437 extension 2308.
“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.”
