@MsHearthWitch US Coast Guard is not allowed to charge for rescues by statute. They can fine and recover costs for environmental damage. Some states charge for rescues, some don't. The US Park Service charges between $1000-1600/hr if a helicopter is needed but nothing otherwise....
@Okanogen Yeah except a lot more than just the US Coast Guard were involved. I'm not American, but my country has spent money looking for those idiots.