distress call

American  

noun

1. a prearranged communication code sign indicating that the sender is in a situation of peril, distress, or the like, as SOS, Mayday, etc.

2. a communication prompted by or indicating distress.

   The hospital sent out distress calls for all available stocks of the antitoxin.

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Etymology

Origin of distress call

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

According to the Indian Navy, a distress call from the Iranian warship was picked up by Colombo in the early hours of 4 March, triggering a regional search-and-rescue effort.

From BBC

The frigate had issued a distress call at dawn on Wednesday but had completely sunk by the time a Sri Lankan rescue ship reached the area.

From Barron's

Last November, the South African government said it had received distress calls from the group of men who had joined mercenary forces in the conflict.

From BBC

Officials received a distress call around 11:30 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

In the latest such tragedy, a boat loaded with more than 200 people made a distress call overnight December 31 to January 1 near the North Bank region.

From Barron's