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MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) — Regulation enforcement officers with the Coast Guard Sector in Miami shut down 12 unlawful charters in Biscayne Bay and the Miami River over the weekend.
A 70-foot motor yacht, Indigo, and a 52-foot cabin cruiser, Second Wind, had been among the many boats cited. The house owners of Indigo had been reportedly working as an unlawful constitution with 11 passengers for rent. The Coast Guard stated the vessel was violating a Captain of the Port Order issued in Might 2023 for working as a bareboat constitution with out a alternative of crew.
The house owners of Second Wind had been additionally working illegally with 13 passengers, violating an analogous order from January 2023, the Coast Guard stated.
“Passenger vessel laws are set requirements for the protection of the crews, their passengers and the general public round them,” stated Lt. j.g. Jasmine Smith, a Coast Guard investigating officer at Sector Miami. “Mariners answerable for constitution vessels ought to meet the regulatory security requirements and perceive the implications of disregarding security violations. On the finish of the day, we would like the general public to have a secure and pleasant time on the water by complying with state and federal laws.”
The Coast Guard stated these present in violation of Captain of the Port Order might face penalties as much as $117,608 per day and potential felony prices, which might end in as much as six years in jail and as much as $500,000 in fines.
Different violations included failure to have correct licensing, required security gear and drug and alcohol testing applications.
The Coast Guard urged passengers to confirm that their captains have correct credentials and a security plan earlier than reserving charters.
