26-02-2025
Coast Guard shuts down 12 illegal charters in Florida, including 70-foot yacht
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MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) — Law enforcement officers with the Coast Guard Sector in Miami shut down 12 illegal 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, were among the boats cited. The owners of Indigo were reportedly operating as an illegal charter with 11 passengers for hire. The Coast Guard said the vessel was violating a Captain of the Port Order issued in May 2023 for operating as a bareboat charter without a choice of crew.
The owners of Second Wind were also operating illegally with 13 passengers, violating a similar order from January 2023, the Coast Guard said.
'Passenger vessel regulations are set standards for the safety of the crews, their passengers and the public around them,' said Lt. j.g. Jasmine Smith, a Coast Guard investigating officer at Sector Miami. 'Mariners in control of charter vessels should meet the regulatory safety standards and understand the consequences of disregarding safety violations. At the end of the day, we want the public to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water by complying with state and federal regulations.'
The Coast Guard said those found in violation of Captain of the Port Order could face penalties up to $117,608 per day and potential felony charges, which could result in up to six years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
Other violations included failure to have proper licensing, required safety equipment and drug and alcohol testing programs.
The Coast Guard urged passengers to verify that their captains have proper credentials and a safety plan before booking charters.
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