[I doubt I can make it, but I'm VERY curious to learn more about it. If any reader wants to attend the event and write up a summary, Navagear would be happy to publish your report.  —Tim]

SEATTLE – The Coast Guard will host a media availability in the Coast Guard Command Center at the Jackson Federal Building at 915 Second Ave here at 1 p.m. today.

The purpose of the press availability is to discuss the details of Tuesday’s emergency response to a call from a young girl calling herself Kelsey and to address the possibility of the call being a hoax.  Costs, risks and other important factors such as boating safety will also be addressed.

WHAT: Press availability to address “Kelsey” emergency call and discuss hoax calls and false reports.
WHERE: Coast Guard Thirteenth District Command Center, Jackson Federal Building 915 2nd Ave, Seattle.
WHEN: Today, 1 p.m.

It is a federal felony for anyone to knowingly and willfully communicate a false distress message to the Coast Guard or causes the Coast Guard to attempt to save lives and property when no help is needed. Penalties include up to six years in prison, $250,000 fine, $5,000 civil penalty, and possible reimbursement to the Coast Guard for costs of the search.  For example, a Florida man was sentenced to pay $597,000 after he made a false report during Hurricane Alberto in 2006.

The total cost in resources expended by the Coast Guard in this case was $38,711.

Further information on the proper use of emergency signals can be found here.

A breakdown of Coast Guard operating costs can be found at here.