Coast Guard Cracks Down on 12 Illegal Charters in Miami

MIAMI – Over the weekend, Coast Guard Sector Miami and law enforcement partners shut down 12 illegal charter operations on Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, including two vessels violating federal orders.

Vessels in Violation

• Indigo (70-foot yacht) – Operated illegally with 11 passengers, violating a May 2023 Captain of the Port (COTP) Order.
• Second Wind (52-foot cruiser) – Illegally carried 13 passengers, despite a January 2023 COTP Order.

Violations & Penalties

• Operating under an active COTP Order
• No valid Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection
• Failure to have a licensed captain, safety equipment, and drug/alcohol program
• Fines up to $117,608 per day and felony charges with penalties up to $500,000 or six years in prison

Coast Guard Warning

Passengers should verify captains’ credentials and ensure vessels with over six passengers have a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection.

Multiple agencies, including Homeland Security, U.S. Customs, and local police, assisted in the operation. The Coast Guard continues to enforce strict safety regulations to protect the public.