Published 11 days ago • loading... • Updated 9 days ago

Distress Calls on Waterway Turn Out to Be Fake; Boater Just Needed Gasoline

Derek Howard of Vero Beach falsely reported an airboat accident on Blue Cypress Lake, prompting a large emergency response.
Howard made the false report because he had run out of gas and wanted to get help quickly, according to investigators.
Law enforcement, fire rescue teams, marine units, personnel from Florida’s wildlife agency, and a Coast Guard helicopter were all deployed to conduct a search for Howard.
Officials found Howard safe without any accident, missing individuals, or injuries; Howard stated, "I don’t know man I’m out here in an airboat I think I wrecked I don’t remember nothing."
Derek Howard has been accused of improperly utilizing emergency services and submitting a fraudulent report, prompting officials to stress the need for truthful communication to keep emergency resources available for genuine incidents.

Insights by Ground AI

Does this summary seem wrong?

10 Articles

All

Left

Center

Right

The Sacramento Bee

Reposted by

Miami Herald

Lean Left

‘Drunken’ boater’s fake story of crash sets off large rescue effort, FL cops say

“Drunken boater” runs out of gas and sets off multi-agency rescue operation by calling 911 to report fake boat crash to get assistance, Florida cops say.

9 days ago·Sacramento, United States

Read Full Article

WSVN

Lean Left

Florida boater faces charges after making false distress call - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

VERO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) – A Florida boater is facing charges after authorities said he called 911 under false circumstances.Police said the boater, who was

10 days ago·Miami, United States

Read Full Article

WPBF

+5 Reposted by 5 other sources

Center

Distress calls on waterway turn out to be fake; Boater just needed gasoline

A Vero Beach man is accused of falsely reporting an airboat accident and is facing charges.

11 days ago

Read Full Article

WPTV

Center

'Drunken boater' accused of fabricating crash story to expedite help after running out of gas

A "drunken boater" is accused of concocting an elaborate story to expedite assistance after he simply ran out of fuel, according to deputies.The Indian River County Sheriff's Office said the boater, identified as Dereck Howard of Vero Beach, was arrested Monday. WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm Latest Headlines | June 24, 10amAccording to a post on the agency's website, deputies responded to the Blue Cypress Lake area after receiving a distress cal…

11 days ago

Read Full Article

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/year