Officers Stop Unmanned Vessel in Volusia County After Three Teens Thrown Overboard

Photo for illustrative purposes onlyPhoto byOliver ColeonUnsplash

Officers acted to stop a runaway vessel near Firecracker Island and George R. Kennedy Memorial Park after three juveniles were ejected during a sharp turn, according to the most recent Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement report. The operator of the vessel, who was not wearing a kill switch lanyard, lost control, leaving the boat unmanned and moving at full speed.

A good samaritan rescued the three juveniles from the water and brought them safely to Firecracker Island. Meanwhile, officers skillfully used tactical boat maneuvers to create a large wake, steering the out-of-control vessel onto a barrier island, successfully grounding it without causing any damage.

The vessel operator was cited for reckless operation and for failing to have a boater safety education ID card. The juveniles’ parents were contacted following the incident.