boating

A South Florida boater was found alive after being reported missing for several days. However, officials suspect human smuggling activity.

Fifty-four-year-old Juan Gonzalez was on his way from Bimini, Bahamas in a 22-foot vessel with a stepson who is not a US citizen, and was expected to arrive at Homestead Bayfront Park in Miami on Sunday.

When he did not show up, a missing person’s report was filed.

Someone spotted a disabled boat about 10 miles off Jupiter Inlet. He was rescued after reporting that he had run out of fuel.

Lt Karolina Vega said, “Human smuggling ventures, whether paid for or made by a friend or family member are subject to criminal and civil penalties.”

Mariners should file a float plan, tell someone where they are going and when they are returning, and be in possession of a VHF radio.

Gonzalez is being investigated further.

Eight people were reported injured in Exuma on Saturday after a vessel hit a reef.

Police said 22 people were onboard when the accident occurred in the area of Buck Cay, Exuma.

Here’s what we know

• Shortly after 8:00 p.m, officers at the George Town Police Station received information of a boating accident that occurred.
• Police met a cruise craft partially submerged in waters.
• The vessel had a three member crew and 19 passengers aboard when it collided with a reef.
• Eight people were injured and everyone on board were helped to the mainland by other boaters–5 men and 3 women.
• The injured are being treated for non-life threatening injuries at the area clinic.

One man was killed and two marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were injured in a boating accident in Andros on Monday night. One of the officers is in a comatose state.

What we know

• The officers were in a private boat.
• The 16 feet vessel hit a reef of Moxey Town, Andros around 8 pm.
• The three men were ejected from the vessel, all men sustained injuries
• The vessel was badly damaged, and two Marines were rescued by local fishermen, who transported them to the clinic in Mangrove Cay for medical treatment.
• The other man who is a resident of Andros succumbed to his injuries.
• The marines were airlifted to New Providence for treatment. One of them is alert but the other marine is unconscious.

What we don’t know

• The identity of the men are not known

Police said they were notified of the incident after 12 midnight. They are investigating the matter further.