Coast Guard terminates voyage for operating under the influence near Tavernier Creek

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U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
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Coast Guard terminates voyage for operating under the influence near Tavernier Creek

MIAMI — The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of a 23-foot pleasure craft due to the operator boating under the influence in the vicinity of Tavernier Creek, Sunday. 

A Coast Guard Station Islamorada 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcment boatcrew, while on patrol, conducted a boarding of the 23-foot pleasure craft with five people aboard. The boatcrew suspected the operator was boating under the influence, terminated the vessel’s voyage and took it in tow to Tavernier Creek Marina.

“Boating under the influence decreases the operator's ability to make sound judgments, and the consumption of alcohol also negatively affects the ability of passengers to respond in the case of an emergency on the water,” said Chief Warrant Officer Scott Goss, Station Islamorada commanding officer. “In addition to designating a sober driver, boaters are encouraged to always wear their life jackets, file a float plan with a friend or family member, have fire extinguishers on board and carry a working VHF-FM radio and Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon.”

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission agents conducted a joint boarding at the marina and arrested the operator for operating under the influence.

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-USCG-