Oyster Bay Mayday Might Have Been A Hoax

NEW YORK-A mayday call prompting a multi-agency rescue response by sea and air is now believed to be a hoax.

The Coast Guard, Suffolk County Police Department and Nassau County Police Department saturated the area near Centre Island, N.Y., after receiving a mayday from a man who said his vessel was taking on water and was sinking around 5 p.m., yesterday.

The Coast Guard launched a rescue boat and helicopter crew, Nassau County Police Department launched a helicopter and boat and Suffolk County Police Department launched a rescue boat; all agencies searched throughout the night.

During a review this morning the Coast Guard determined the call was a probable false mayday. A boater in the area where the Mayday was believed to have been made said he saw no vessels in distress. No debris or items have been found.