SPRUCE HEAD —Crews have suspended the search pending further information due to a probable hoax. There are no indications of distress or missing persons in the area, the Coast Guard said Dec. 3, at 1 p.m.

The Coast Guard determined it was a hoax because no signs of distress in the area. The search encompassed 62 square miles, and took five hours.

The incident has now been turned over to the Coast Guard Investigative Services, which will examine evidence.

Making a false May Day call is a federal offense and carry fines and penalties, as well as prison time.

The Investigative Services will also run a cost sheet of money spent on this hoax.

The Maine Marine Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard Station Rockland and a crew from the Coast Guard’s Cape Cod air division are searching now for a fishing vessel with three crew members in the waters off of Spruce Head.

A May Day call was received Dec. 3 at 6:30 a.m. with the report of the 42-foot white fishing boat taking on water.

Listen to the audio call here.

The last word was that the crew was putting on survival gear.

The boat has been heading to Atwood Lobster, on Spruce Head.

It is considered an active search by the Coast Guard.

The boat’s name nor homeport was given in the call.

Coast Guard crews are requesting help identifying the missing fishing vessel and crew. If you have any information, call (207) 741-5422.