On Fox 2 St. Louis (h/t Drudge), there was report about suspicious activity around the Bagnell Dam.  A tipster notified the Sheriff who notified the FBI.  Readers should be aware that they can reach the United State Coast Guard National Response Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-877-24-WATCH to report any suspicious activity or pollution events (like an oil spill) on our nation’s waterways.

Emergencies should always be reported by calling 9-1-1, or if on the water using your VHF-FM radio on Channel 16 (or 9 in some areas) to the USCG station watch stander.  On the radio, risks to life or loss of a vessel are reported with the pro-word “mayday” and urgent safety notices are reported with the pro-word “pan-pan.”

Suspicious activity such as a boat tied up under a bridge, someone photographing a military installation, snooping around a dam, testing security fences, etc. should be reported to the NRC.  Whatever you do, do not notify the USCG by radio, because it is an open channel.  Also, do not intervene.  Let law enforcement do that.  Be safe but vigilant.  Remember that Coast Guardsmen rotate duty stations and are not as familiar with the local operating area as residents.  You may be more likely to become aware of suspicious activity than the USCG.  We all have our part to play in securing the homeland.