Shreave took out what he mistakenly believed to be a portable marine radio from her windbreaker pocket. He also had two granola bars stolen from Honey after she was abducted by a madman. He began pressing buttons and loudly shouting "Mayday!" in an attempt to signal help.
However, the device was not a real radio, as it lacked essential components such as an audio receiver and transmitter, making it incapable of communication. The only thing functioning was its LED screen, explaining why no responses came from the Coast Guard or anyone else.