A Coast Guard response boat stops a recreational boater in the Charleston Harbor, S.C. Aug. 11, 2018, as part of Operation SHRIMP and GRITS, a multi-state and multi-jurisdiction maritime enforcement operation. The name stands for “Save Harbor Reach on Intelligence for Multi-state Partnerships and Guarding Responsible Interests for Target Safety.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tenley Long)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies conducted a law enforcement operation Saturday from Horry County, South Carolina, to Brevard County, Florida covering approximately 430 miles of coastline.
Coast Guard crews conducted the operation in coordination with 89 partner agency units from several federal, state and local agencies. The operation focused on the education and enforcement of boating safety and maritime security throughout the Southeast.
“We want to thank each individual and organization for the level of coordination and collaboration in planning and executing this iteration of this operation,” said Capt. Todd Wiemers, commander, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. “We are grateful to each and every agency and the individuals involved who made this possible.”
During the operation, 54 law enforcement/fire vessels, 33 auxiliary vessels, one fixed wing law enforcement aircraft, four auxiliary fixed-wing aircraft, three helicopters, four Air Force strike teams, one aircraft mounted Mobile Detection System and one Transportation Security Administration surface inspection team were used.
During the operation, 368 vessel boardings were conducted resulting in 26 violations, 65 warnings, 15 local police department citations, 77 local police department warnings and six vessel terminations.
“Their contributions to our collective maritime safety and security, as well as living marine enforcement, go a long way toward achieving the objectives of our agencies and we trust the collaborative nature of these types of operations will also contribute to our ability to respond holistically in times of crisis,” Capt. John Reed, commander, Sector Charleston.
