MIAMI- The Coast Guard responded to a report of the discharge of a firearm southwest of Marquesas Key, Florida, on Wednesday.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., Wednesday, Coast Guard Sector Key West received a report from a 20-foot pleasure craft that an unidentified 45-foot fishing vessel allegedly discharged a firearm in their general direction multiple times while they were diving approximately 20 nautical miles southwest of Marquesas Key, Florida. Watchstanders from Sector Key West launched a Coast Guard Station Key West boatcrew, diverted the Coast Guard Cutter William Trump crew and diverted a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also launched a boatcrew.
The William Trump crew and the Station Key West boatcrew arrived on scene and conducted a boarding of the 45-foot fishing vessel.
The Station Key West boatcrew then took positive control of both of the involved vessels and escorted them into port.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service is conducting a criminal investigation on the alleged shooting incident. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission assumed lead on an investigation into possible fisheries violations.
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