USCG interdicts smuggling boat with convicted criminals aboard off Florida

The Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber crew interdicted a boat with six people, which included four people who were attempting to illegally enter the United States, near Sunny Isles, Saturday, the USCG said Tuesday in its news release. One of the migrants had previous convictions for kidnapping, aggravated assault, and narcotics trafficking. A second migrant had previous convictions for the sale of narcotics.

At approximately 2:40 p.m., the crew of the cutter Bernard C. Webber crew sighted the 20-foot boat heading west approximately 30 miles east of Sunny Isles. Aboard the boat were two U.S. citizens, two Jamaicans, one Dominican, and one Bahamian, all adult males.

“While the Coast Guard continues to deal with the lapse in appropriations and identify methods to alleviate the impacts to our workforce, this illegal activity in the Florida straits that threatens our maritime border security, remains a top priority for our service,” said Rear Adm. Peter J. Brown, commander of the Coast Guard’s 7th District. “I continue to be humbled and inspired by our dedicated Coast Guard women and men who stand the watch and remain dedicated to serve the public during this time of personal financial uncertainty.”

In coordination with the Department of Justice’s Southern District of Florida, the crew of the Bernard C. Webber transferred all persons to Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further investigation and possible prosecution.