Definition of "distress call" []

• An internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed (noun)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "When Pevvni Purists sabotaged Ganitriul with a computer virus, the computer—unable to contact anyone on Eerlik for help—sent a distress call to the Federation, who summoned the U.S.S. da Vinci."
• "The Lexington responded to a distress call from the da Vinci to the planet Intar to aid against what was believed to be a Borg ship, but turned out to be the Omearan Starsearcher called Friend, so they broke off the rendezvous Hard Crash."
• "The ship, along with the U.S.S. Lexington, responded to a distress call sent by the da Vinci at Intar to aid against the living ship known as Friend Hard Crash."