What could be a consequence of not verifying a distress signal?

The consequence of not verifying a distress signal is that it can lead to assisting a vessel that is not actually in distress. This response may draw valuable resources and time away from legitimate emergencies, ultimately jeopardizing the safety of lives at sea. Distress signals are critical in maritime operations, and it is vital to ensure that a signal is genuine before committing assistance. Failing to verify can result in unnecessary deployments of rescue services, creating potential delays in reaching those who are genuinely in need of help. This emphasizes the importance of proper assessment and verification of distress situations in maritime safety protocols.