[Makomagic]

God forbid you are offshore fifty miles and have an emergency where you have to activate your gps epirb. It would require a Coast Guard rescue, possibly by helicopter. I read somewhere that the cost involved in a Coast Guard rescue can range around $50-60K an hour for their assistance. Does anyone know the truth of this matter and does the Coast Guard charge for an offshore rescue? Is it possible that what I read is if the situation was a false alarm? The article wasn't clear. Thanks.

Makomagic

 

[bennie]

i dont doubt that the cost is very high. but, it wont cost you a thing. this is your tax dollar at work. if you have a true emergency it is free of charge to you. i couldnt say for sure that a false alarm is the same.

 

[thefishingfreak]

no charge

if the sh-t goes down and you have to call the coast gaurd {by- epirb or by -radio}they are there "semper peratis" for free and will assist you.
no charge, like bennie said, it's tax money

 

[Captain Mike]

After reading that I was just thinking if they did charge you. They come out pick you up, you can't afford the rescue or you refuse to pay 50K-60K for it. What would they do?? just throw you back in the water and leave.

Mike
(Double Dip)

 

[MakoMike]

Guys,
For while they were following a practice of suing you, in a civil action, to recover costs of a false alarm. I don't know if they are still doing that. But the real McCoy is free.

 

[Eric S]

I had to get towed in from 50 miles offshore after the drivedamper connecting the engine to the transmission let go on a new diesel engine with 10 hours on it. The Coast Guard first put out a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast, but nobody responded (fortunately for me). They came out to the south side of the Dump in a 110 foot cutter and towed me into Martha's Vineyard. No charge. They were great.

 

[Makomagic]

Thanks for the responses. It a service I hope we all never need.
Makomagic