EPRIB call a false alarm


Wednesday, February 04 2009
Unalaska, AK – An EPIRB call from about 500 miles south of Unalaska reported to the Coast Guard Monday afternoon turned out to be nothing. Petty Officer Kurt Fredrickson said the signal from an older 121 EPIRB was picked up by air traffic control in Arizona and reported to the Coast Guard in Kodiak. The Coast Guard monitored the satellites and only picked up one hit from the 406 EPRIB. It didn't give enough information to be able to identify what the EPRIB was registered to and they did not detect another signal. A Coast Guard C-130 went to the area but did not see anything nor did any other aircraft. Fredrickson said they think an EPRIB was quickly turned on and off on an aircraft and that the case has been closed.