FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard stopped nine illegal charter operations, including a tiki bar in Fort Lauderdale.
According to a media release, authorities completed the sweep over the weekend along Fort Lauderdale waterways.
All vessels were cited for safety violations. The Tiki bar faces a violation for failing to have a drug and alcohol program.
“Ensuring the safety of our maritime community is a shared responsibility,” said Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Yanez. “Anyone paying for a trip on a passenger vessel should always verify that their captain can produce the appropriate credentials before embarking on any voyage. Likewise, charter vessel captains must comply with all regulatory standards to maintain the highest levels of safety for their passengers, crew, and the broader maritime community.”
According to a media release, owners and operators of illegal charters can face civil penalties of $69,000 or more for illegal passenger for hire vessel operations.
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