Coast Guard Says Hoax Boat Explosion Leads Coming In

The Coast Guard says it’s getting leads from the public about the fake distress call involving a boat
explosion east of Sandy Hook.

Spokesman Charles Rowe says they are investigating everything that comes in.

PREVIOUS: Yacht Explosion A Hoax

A man claiming to be aboard a yacht called the Blind Date triggered a massive search on Monday when he reported three people dead, nine injured and 21 abandoning ship after an explosion 20 miles off Sandy Hook.

The search took five hours and cost rescue agencies more than $300,000.

Officials believe the hoax originated on land in either New Jersey or Staten Island, N.Y.

The Coast Guard is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and prosecution.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)