EPIRB rescues

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