Hoax calls

In 2005 the Coastguard received 406 hoax calls, no doubt many were investigated at a huge cost to the tax payer and for all those called out.

Today I'm aware of such a call:

"Come quick there are people drifting out to sea on a raft in Poole near Sandbanks"

The person hung up and despite efforts to call the person back the call went to voice mail.

Whilst checks were being made on the persons mobile number, the Coastguard were advised, and with the risk to life, a passing lifeboat and Sector Manager were sent to investigate.......nothing found, no further reports.

Why do people make these calls?

It could be their lives at risk as rescuers are searching somewhere else after a hoax call?

Well whoever the person was, its logged with Police, they will receive a warning text message re the miss use of the 999 system, then there is a possibility the mobile will be cut off from the network.

Thankfully 99.9% of the public can use the 999 system properly and we rely on those genuine calls to help save lives.