MIAMI – The Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Miami, Capt. Karl L. Schultz, issued a Captain of the Port Order to the towing vessel Megan Garrett Friday, restricting the vessel from operation until conditions of the order are met.
Coast Guard Sector Miami received a report of a marine casualty in the vicinity of the Hallandale Beach Bridge involving the Megan Garrett. Sector Miami investigating officers responded to the report and while conducting their investigation discovered the master of the Megan Garrett was not properly licensed to operate the vessel.
Upon a subsequent safety inspection of the towing vessel investigators were unable to verify the registration and documentation of the Megan Garrett and observed several safety violations.
Megan Garrett has been ordered to cease all commercial operations until the safety and documentation discrepancies are corrected and a licensed captain is on board to operate the vessel.
“We are committed to making sure commercial operators are properly licensed and continue to maintain safe operations on the waterways,” said Lt. j.g. Jim Carmany, Sector Miami, investigating officer.
The reported marine casualty remains under investigation. Sector Miami inspectors and investigators are working closely with the Megan Garrett’s owner to ensure the vessel is restricted from commercial operation for the minimum time necessary.
