Two Florida teenagers, captured in a viral video dumping refuse into the Atlantic Ocean from a vessel, voluntarily presented themselves to authorities on Friday. They now face a severe felony pollution charge, as confirmed by officials and court documents.
According to reports filed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the suspects, a 15-year-old hailing from Gulf Stream and a 16-year-old from Boynton Beach, stand accused of a single count each of causing pollution with the potential to harm or endanger human health or welfare, animal, plant, or aquatic life, or property.
The offense, categorized as a third-degree felony, carries a maximum punishment of five years’ incarceration and a $50,000 fine upon conviction, according to the arrest report. In accordance with NBC News policy, the identities of the minors charged with crimes are typically withheld.
FWC chairman Rodney Barreto issued a stern statement on Friday, emphasizing zero tolerance for any callous disregard towards Florida’s environment. He stressed that this incident serves as an educational moment for all parties involved, underscoring the preciousness of Florida’s natural resources and the collective responsibility to safeguard them.
The incident transpired last Sunday in the Boca Inlet, where the boaters, captured in the video footage while departing from the annual Boca Bash, were observed engaging in the act, according to FWC.
The footage, shared by content creator Wavy Boats on YouTube, vividly depicts two individuals emptying trash bins into the ocean. The boat’s operator, the 15-year-old, was seen discarding a variety of items, including plastic water bottles, cans, food bags, plastic cups, and assorted unidentifiable debris, as detailed in the arrest report.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the celebratory demeanor exhibited by the individual, who, after disposing of the trash, raised the basket above his head, seemingly rejoicing in the act. Drone footage accompanying the video illustrated the dispersion of pollutants across the ocean’s surface, propelled by the rough waves and wind conditions.
In addition to the 15-year-old’s actions, the video also captured the 16-year-old dumping the contents of a trash bin into the ocean.
Following up on the incident, an FWC investigator visited the registered boat owner’s residence on Tuesday. There, the father of the 15-year-old revealed their intention to seek legal representation.
A similar conversation ensued with the other suspect’s father on Wednesday, with both families expressing cooperation and intent to secure legal counsel, as stated in the arrest report. The identity of the legal representatives retained by the teens remained undisclosed as of Friday night.
Multiple witnesses aboard the vessel corroborated the suspects’ identities during interactions with FWC, according to the arrest report.
In a written statement, the parents of one of the involved teens extended apologies to those affected and understandably dismayed by the incident. They affirmed their commitment to collaboration with authorities and emphasized the gravity of ocean and community stewardship.
Acknowledging the incident as a pivotal learning opportunity, the family endorsed community service and ocean conservation endeavors to reinforce the significance of environmental preservation.
Responding to the outcry, Boca Bash organizers emphasized on Tuesday via Facebook that the individuals’ actions did not reflect the event’s ethos. Condemning the behavior captured in the video, they expressed deep dismay at the passengers’ audacity and hoped that the ensuing repercussions would serve as a public reminder of the paramount importance of Florida’s waters to its inhabitants.
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