ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard is seeking information from the public about the theft of four batteries since the end of April from federally owned navigational aids in the St. Johns River from Sanford, Fla., to DeBary, Fla.
Non-functioning navigational aids, or aids that are functioning improperly, can endanger mariners who rely on them for safe navigation and may cause accidents.
Each battery weighs approximately 40 pounds and costs $106.86. Navigational aids are essential in assisting mariners transiting waterways throughout the country.
Federal law prohibits vandalism of aids to navigation. Depending on the nature of the violation, persons could face maximum penalties upon conviction of up to 10 years imprisonment and as much as a $250,000 fine.
Mariners who observe vandalism to navigational aids, have more information about the stolen batteries, or who want to report nonfunctioning aids, may contact Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Holt, the officer in charge of Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team Ponce De Leon Inlet in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., at 386-427-3227.
ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard is seeking information from the public about the theft of four batteries, like the one pictured here, since the end of April from federally owned navigational aids in the St. Johns River from Sanford, Fla., to DeBary, Fla. Mariners who observe vandalism to navigational aids, have more information about the stolen batteries, or who want to report nonfunctioning aids, may contact Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Holt, the officer in charge of Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team Ponce De Leon Inlet in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., at 386-427-3227. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
