Uncharted Waters: Coast Guard Halts Illegal Boat Charter in San Diego Bay

Uncharted Waters: Coast Guard Halts Illegal Boat Charter in San Diego Bay

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n a recent sweep of San Diego Bay, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted an illegally chartered pleasure craft operating without proper safety measures or licensing. The vessel, booked through an online platform, was carrying paying passengers but failed to meet basic federal maritime requirements—raising serious concerns about passenger safety.

According to officials, the boat lacked a valid Certificate of Inspection, was not operated by a licensed captain, and did not have adequate lifesaving equipment onboard. These omissions not only put passengers at risk but also violate several federal regulations governing commercial maritime activity.

The Coast Guard terminated the voyage on the spot and issued a strong warning to both boat owners and the public. Passengers are urged to always verify a vessel's inspection status and ensure the operator is properly licensed before boarding any chartered watercraft.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of illegal maritime activity in the region. In addition to unlawful charters, San Diego's coastal waters have become a hotspot for human smuggling attempts. Earlier this year, a panga-style vessel carrying 20 migrants from Mexico and China was intercepted 21 miles off Point Loma. The Coast Guard, along with other federal agencies, has since ramped up enforcement and surveillance along Southern California’s shores.

While online platforms make it easier than ever to book boat trips, they do not always verify whether operators comply with maritime laws. The Coast Guard emphasizes that the responsibility ultimately falls on the boat owners and operators to ensure they are following federal safety guidelines.

As summer approaches and more residents and tourists take to the water, the Coast Guard is reminding everyone that a fun day on the bay should never come at the cost of safety or legality.

Source:Fox5 San Diego - Coast Guard stops illegally chartered pleasure craft in San Diego