What is the significance of a CG Cutter being classified as missing?

When a Coast Guard Cutter is classified as missing, it is a serious situation that directly aligns with the criteria of a Class A MISHAP. A Class A MISHAP is defined as an incident that results in a total cost of damage of $2 million or more, the loss of a vessel, or a fatality. The classification of a cutter as missing signifies that there may be significant risks and potential loss involved, especially if the vessel is not simply away from its home port but is unaccounted for in a distressing situation.

The implications of a missing cutter involve search and rescue operations, investigation into the circumstances leading to the cutter's disappearance, and considerations for crew safety. The classification underscores the seriousness of the event, necessitating immediate action and resources to locate the vessel and ensure the safety of the crew. Moreover, classifying an incident as a Class A MISHAP carries operational and procedural ramifications for the Coast Guard, impacting their investigation, policies, and protocols moving forward.