False Radio Message Prompts Emergency Operations Center Activation in Coos County

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a false radio transmission that prompted officials to activate the county’s Emergency Operations Center early Sunday, Oct. 4.

The message aired around 2:30 a.m. on Law 2, a primary radio frequency used by several law enforcement agencies in Coos County. According to the Sheriff’s Office, it described an “ocean surface breach” outside the bar at Charleston.

Officials immediately activated the Emergency Operations Center to check the report, identify its source, and determine whether there was any current or ongoing threat to the county. Sheriff’s Office employees quickly determined that the transmission did not come from a legitimate source.

The release did not explain what the message meant by an ocean surface breach or provide further details about what was transmitted. It also did not identify who investigators believe created or sent the message.

The Sheriff’s Office cited federal provisions concerning false distress signals and broadcast hoaxes in its release. Federal law prohibits knowingly transmitting false or fraudulent distress signals or communications related to them.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the creation or transmission of the message is asked to call the Coos County Sheriff’s Office at 541-396-7800.