'Illegal' Miami Pleasure Cruise Loses Its Pleasure

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Thirteen passengers aboard what the Coast Guard described as an "illegal" pleasure cruise had all the pleasure taken out of Monday's cruise. That's when the U.S. Coast Guard showed up unexpectedly.

"The Cary On's voyage was terminated after discovering multiple safety violations," said the Coast Guard in Miami. The boarding took place near Baker's Haulover Inlet.

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“You put your life at risk when you board a charter vessel with an operator who is not properly certified to take paying passengers,” said Victor Rivera, Coast Guard Sector Miami command duty officer.

The Coast Guard said the Cary On was cited for not having a valid inspection certificate, not having a credentialed mariner in control and two other violations. The owners and operators of illegal charter vessels face maximum civil penalties of $41,456 if determined to have been running an illegal passenger-for-hire operation.

“You have a right to ask for proper credentials," Rivera added. "Charters that aren't operated under the proper regulations can put passengers in danger and are subject to fines and potential civil penalties.”

Two Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement boat crew members conducted the boarding.

U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Station Fort Lauderdale