This past Wednesday while listening to my VHF radio at work. I overheard an SOS signal (three dots followed by three dashes and three more dots) on Ch. 16, the marine radio hailing and distress frequency. I can honestly say I had not heard an SOS signal since my days at Boy Scout camp trying to learn Morse code.

The SOS signal also got the attention of the U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders in St. Petersburg who responded with a voice acknowledgement of the SOS signal and a request for further information. Later I heard an FWC aircraft pilot asking boaters around Pine Island if they had heard or seen anything or anyone in distress. I did not hear anything further or a repeat of the SOS signal during the remainder of my watch.