Coast Guard reward to catch fake 'mayday' caller

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MONROE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a $3,500 reward for help in catching a man who's made at least 20 fake "mayday" calls on a marine radio operating in the Monroe area.

The Coast Guard's Cleveland office says the man began calling in 2010, making claims such as that his boat is sinking. The Coast Guard is posting 15 recordings to see if anyone recognizes the man's voice.

Lt. Justin Westmiller in Detroit says the calls could cause a disaster by diverting rescuers from a real emergency.

He says the prank caller uses marine band radio VHF-FM Channel 16. It's the international hailing and distress frequency.

Westmiller says the calls come from the Bolles Harbor area on Lake Erie in Monroe County's Monroe Township.

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Coast Guard reward to catch fake 'mayday' caller - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Coast Guard reward to catch fake 'mayday' caller

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Suspect involved in death of NY college student was wanted for parole violations

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Imprisoned Ohio Amish complain about schooling

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