Latest news with #U.SCoastGuard
Miami Herald
31-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Video captures moment barge slams into sailboat carrying campers in Biscayne Bay
Security camera footage reveals the moment a barge rammed into a sailboat carrying five kids and a camp counselor on board — killing two girls and critically injuring two more in Miami Beach. The footage — taken from across the Biscayne Bay — shows the small sailboat with bright colored sails floating in place in the water Monday morning between Hisbiscus and Monument islands. READ MORE: 'We were screaming and screaming.' Witnesses watch as barge hits sailboat of campers The 60-foot barge then collides with the 17-foot Hobie Gateway, going over the small boat until the neon colored sails sink out of frame. The crash killed Mila Yankelevich,7, and Erin Ko Han,13. Two other campers, ages 8 and 11, were critically injured. A large crane could be seen on the barge that was being pushed by a tugboat. READ MORE: 'Indelible mark.' Chilean school identifies girl killed in Miami sailboat crash Another camper, a 12-year-old girl, and the 19-year-old camp counselor were rescued. The U.S Coast Guard, which is investigating the crash, said at a Tuesday press conference that the agency conducted an alcohol test on the captain of the tug boat and will be investigating whether the tug and barge's crew were properly licensed to be on the water. READ MORE: Captain who crashed into sailboat in Miami Beach given sobriety test: officials
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
U.S. Coast Guard boat shown speeding over whales off California
A Southern California-based photographer on Thursday shared footage showing a U.S Coast Guard boat speeding over two gray whales off Laguna Beach. Mark Girardeau, who has spent countless hours on marine mammal excursions off Orange County, shared the footage to illustrate that vessels of all types pose a threat to whales that feed or migrate in California waters. 'One of the challenges gray whales face is boat traffic, especially along the California coast where there is no shortage of cargo ships, oil tankers, personal yachts, ferries, jet skiers, search & rescue operations, etc.,' Girardeau stated via Instagram. 'All which are not actively watching for whales.' Girardeau explained that in this case, which he described as a close call, the Coast Guard vessel did not strike either of the whales, one of which can be seen diving to avoid being struck. The Coast Guard crew, Girardeau added, had been searching for a swimmer who had been pulled to sea by a current and did not survive. It's likely that the crew did not even see the whales. Girardeau told FTW Outdoors that he captured the footage in 2019 with a drone that he piloted from shore. This article originally appeared on For The Win: U.S. Coast Guard boat shown speeding over whales off California
USA Today
29-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
U.S. Coast Guard boat shown speeding over whales off California
U.S. Coast Guard boat shown speeding over whales off California A Southern California-based photographer on Thursday shared footage showing a U.S Coast Guard boat speeding over two gray whales off Laguna Beach. Mark Girardeau, who has spent countless hours on marine mammal excursions off Orange County, shared the footage to illustrate that vessels of all types pose a threat to whales that feed or migrate in California waters. 'One of the challenges gray whales face is boat traffic, especially along the California coast where there is no shortage of cargo ships, oil tankers, personal yachts, ferries, jet skiers, search & rescue operations, etc.,' Girardeau stated via Instagram. 'All which are not actively watching for whales.' Girardeau explained that in this case, which he described as a close call, the Coast Guard vessel did not strike either of the whales, one of which can be seen diving to avoid being struck. The Coast Guard crew, Girardeau added, had been searching for a swimmer who had been pulled to sea by a current and did not survive. It's likely that the crew did not even see the whales. Girardeau told FTW Outdoors that he captured the footage in 2019 with a drone that he piloted from shore.
Miami Herald
25-03-2025
- Miami Herald
Routine Coast Guard inspection uncovers $6 million dollars worth of cocaine on a boat
A routine patrol inspection by the U.S Coast Guard off the coast of Fort Lauderdale led to the discovery of 550 pounds of cocaine — worth millions — hidden in suitcases. James Edward White, 35, was piloting a 36-foot Sea Ray named Bella Vita when he entered Port Everglades around 6:40 p.m. Saturday, according to federal officials. Coast Guard officers, conducting a routine patrol, stopped the vessel for inspection near Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. White, the only person on board, told officers he had traveled from the Bahamas and admitted there were drugs on the vessel. A search of the boat uncovered multiple suitcases in the lower cabin, each containing tightly wrapped packages. Field tests later confirmed the substance as cocaine — totaling a street value of $6.3 million, according to the Coast Guard. Homeland Security investigators took White into custody at the Coast Guard's station in Fort Lauderdale, where officials say he waived his Miranda rights and spoke with investigators. White claimed he was initially hired to transport migrants but was instead given a drug-loaded boat in Nassau, Bahamas. White said he was instructed to deliver the vessel to a contact in Fort Lauderdale but was stopped before he could do so. Federal prosecutors have charged White with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and attempt to import a controlled substance.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What are tar balls? These black sticky clumps are washing up on Palm Beach County beaches
Tar balls, these sticky, dark clumps have been appearing along the beaches in Florida, staining sand and skin, and even causing Fort Lauderdale Beach to temporarily close. The U.S Coast Guard investigated the tar balls, which were reported from Port Everglades to Palm Beach, but said on the social media site X that "the source remains unknown." While some may seem harmless, experts warn that tar balls can contain toxic chemicals and should be avoided. Their increasing presence has left many wondering, where do they come from, are they dangerous, and what should you do if you spot one? Here's what you need to know. Tar balls are small, sticky clumps of oil that sometimes wash up on shore. They're often leftover from oil spills but can also come from natural oil seeps, places where petroleum slowly rises from the ocean floor. While they may seem harmless, they can contain toxic chemicals and should be avoided. More: Cold front bumps May-like temperatures. Expect cooler temperatures later this week Tar balls form when crude oil on the ocean's surface breaks apart and hardens over time. After an oil spill, the oil spreads into a thin layer, but wind and waves break it into smaller patches, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration. As it undergoes weathering, a process of chemical and physical changes, it thickens, hardens, and eventually washes up on shore. More: What are tar balls? How to remove tar ball stains from feet, hands For most people, brief contact with a small amount of oil isn't harmful, but it's best to avoid it. Some people are more sensitive to the chemicals in crude oil, which can cause rashes or allergic reactions, according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If you see tar balls on the beach, it's safest to keep your distance. If you get tar on your skin, wash the area with soap and water, baby oil, or a safe cleaning product like the ones found at auto parts stores. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can irritate the skin. Contributing: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tar balls on the beach in Florida: What is the cause of black clumps
