Miami Charter Boat Faces $41K Fine After Striking Causeway

MIAMI, FL — A Miami pleasure cruise came to an abrupt end over the weekend after a 65-foot vessel struck the Venetian Causeway Bridge and a concerned passenger called the Coast Guard. The owner of the Zenith yacht faces up to $41,546 for what the Coast Guard described as an "illegal passenger-for-hire operation."

The Coast Guard said that the Zenith was carrying more paying passengers than it was certified to carry on Saturday when it was boarded at the Sea Isle Marina in nearby Miami and failed to have a credentialed mariner in control.

"We urge people to request to see the vessel operator’s valid credentials or proof of required inspection or examination before hiring a charter vessel,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Emily White, a Coast Guard 7th District watchstander.

Coast Guard officials said that the vessel did not have a valid certificate of inspection or stability letter and failed to have a drug and alcohol program in place.

"Passengers are risking their safety by hiring a charter vessel without a credentialed mariner in charge or aboard an uninspected vessel which is subject to federal regulations," White added.

The Coast Guard said there was no reported damage to the bridge and no reported injuries among the passengers who were on the Zenith at the time.

The marina is located at 1635 N Bayshore Dr. The Venetian Causeway consists of 12 bridges that connect mainland Miami with the 11 Venetian Islands and Miami Beach.

Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard