Fl Keys: Commercial Fisherman Allegedly Fires Shots At Rec. Dive Boat

[CuzzA]

Coast Guard investigates reported shots fired at divers south of Marquesas Key

U.S. Coast Guard investigators are looking into a report that someone aboard a commercial fishing vessel fired several shots at a recreational boat about 20 nautical miles southwest of Marquesas Key Wednesday morning.

The Coast Guard's Investigative Service is conducting a criminal probe on "the alleged shooting incident," according to an agency press release.

It's not yet known if any arrests were made. Special Agent Paul Shultz, resident agent in charge of Key West for the Coast Guard Investigative Service, could not be reached for comment.

The people aboard the recreational boat, only described in the press release as a 20-foot pleasure craft, were reportedly diving when the incident happened about 9:45 a.m.

Specifics about the alleged shooting are not yet being released since there is a criminal investigation, said Petty Officer Eric Woodall, spokesman for Coast Guard Sector 7 out of Miami.

Coast Guard Station Key West was called and sent the cutter William Trump to the area, as well as an HC-144 Ocean Sentry plane from Air Station Miami.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection also launched a boat crew. Crew members from the Trump boarded the commercial fishing vessel, which is described only as being 45 feet long. The Trump then escorted both the recreational boat and the fishing vessel to Key West.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is also investigating the incident for possible fisheries violations.

 

[FinnMom]

That's interesting. I wonder if they could actually have been doing anything fishing-related that was worth shooting at someone or whether the incident is drug-related. Let us know if you learn more!

 

[CuzzA]

The unconfirmed report I heard was the divers were spearfishing in the commercial fishing vessel's chum slick. Not cool, but not a reason to open fire.

 

[The Chairman]

We heard through the Captain's Grapevine that they disturbed his chum line. That's not a typo.

 

[Jax]

We heard through the Captain's Grapevine that they disturbed his chum line. That's not a typo.

"Chum Line"? What is that, please.

 

[DebbyDiver]

Let me google that for you

 

[CuzzA]

"Chum Line"? What is that, please.

How to Use Fish Chum - Florida Go Fishing

 

[Jax]

I am correct in that is more of a bad etiquette thing? How would divers "disturb" it? Did the boat go in the middle of it?

Let me google that for you

 

[The Chairman]

Jax, I wasn't there, so it's impossible to say exactly what happened. Apparently, they probably didn't notice it and motored right through it, scaring the potential catch. Most seasoned captains go to great lengths to avoid chum lines. Most seasoned fishermen go to great lengths to avoid weekend captains. This was def a case of "chum rage"...

 

[DebbyDiver]