MIAMI (AP) - The Coast Guard is cracking down on illegal boating and fishing charters and terminated several joy rides over the weekend around the area of Miami's Ultra Music Festival.
On Friday, The Coast Guard ended the party for 12 people onboard 55-foot pleasure craft, Sea Raven, after discovering multiple safety violations. Coast Guard officials also forced another half dozen boats to end their trips Saturday and Sunday.
Coast Guard Sector Miami Commander Jason Aleksak says authorities stepped up their presence over the weekend due to the music festival, which can get rowdy.
Fines for illegal boat charters can be hefty, costing tens of thousands of dollars, for various safety violations.
The agency says it will seek out maximum penalties for people who put others at risk through these illegal operations.
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