Unmanned Shrimp Boat Mystifies Florida Investigators After Washing Ashore

Florida beach-goers encountered an unusual sight when an unmanned vessel came ashore last weekend. The shrimp boat, named ‘Miss Montie,’ is 50 feet long and ran aground on Beverly Beach, located just three miles north of Flagler Beach along Florida’s scenic east coast, on Sunday evening. This unexpected event raised several questions for authorities and beach visitors alike.

Initial Response to the Scene

Authorities were quick to respond to the scene of the stranded shrimp boat. However, initial attempts to contact the crew were unsuccessful, as reported by the Flagler Beach Fire Department. The mystery surrounding the boat deepened when officials discovered it was abandoned, leading them to initiate protocols for addressing a potentially hazardous situation.

Coast Guard’s Involvement

Upon reporting the incident, the Flagler Beach Fire Department contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for assistance. Coast Guard officials soon confirmed that the crew of Miss Montie was safe and accounted for, having been evacuated from the vessel before it reached the beach. Brandan Blackwell, a Marine Science Technician with the Coast Guard, reassured the public, stating that the vessel remained upright and in stable condition.

Safety Assessments of the Vessel

Blackwell emphasized the boat’s integrity, remarking, ‘We are just making sure that everything looks like it’s buttoned up; the vessel is still upright, it’s not capsizing or anything.’ He noted that the steel hull of the shrimp boat would likely hold up against structural failure, putting to rest concerns over immediate danger from the aground vessel.

The Circumstances Behind the Stranding

Details from the captain of Miss Montie, Corey Thomas, revealed that the boat lost power on Friday evening. Thomas contacted the Coast Guard after realizing that his spare anchor was inadequate to secure the boat’s weight. He expressed frustration over the situation, stating, ‘I didn’t want to leave the boat drifting.’ Despite his concerns, the Coast Guard informed him that towing the vessel would pose significant hazards.

Challenges Faced by the Crew

Thomas struggled to understand why towing was not an option. He shared, ‘They told me it was too dangerous.’ After being taken to shore by the Coast Guard, he sought alternative assistance. However, challenges arose when the boat drifted an astonishing eight miles in just three hours due to rough sea conditions, thwarting attempts for a tow.

The Efforts to Rescue the Boat

In his attempts to stabilize the boat, Thomas deployed a second anchor, but it ultimately failed as the line broke under the strain. Unfortunately, the next day brought no relief as Miss Montie washed ashore at Beverly Beach, where it remained, drawing the attention of beach-goers and local officials.

Law Enforcement and Next Steps

Following the unfortunate grounding, local law enforcement conducted an inspection of the vessel. Subsequently, Thomas arranged for a larger shrimp boat to retrieve Miss Montie from the beach, indicating that he would tow it to St. Augustine. This proactive approach is common when dealing with marine emergencies, ensuring that vessels do not pose a continued hazard to other maritime activities.

Community Reactions

As news of the unmanned shrimp boat spread, residents and tourists alike expressed their curiosity and concern over the unusual incident. Some beach-goers shared their thoughts on social media, highlighting the intrigue of discovering a derelict vessel while enjoying a day at the beach. The event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the swift actions required from emergency services in maritime situations.

Continued Monitoring by Authorities

Both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have been involved in monitoring the situation. Their swift responses underscore the importance of safety in maritime environments. As investigations continue, local officials aim to ensure that all safety measures are adhered to, preventing potential reoccurrences of similar incidents.

Final Thoughts on the Incident

As the sun sets on another Florida day, the question remains: what truly transpired with Miss Montie? Rest assured, authorities are committed to uncovering the facts surrounding this incident. For now, the shrimp boat serves as a compelling story for beach visitors and a testament to the unpredictability of life on the water. As Florida’s coastline remains a bustling area for maritime activities, the community can feel reassured that safety remains the top priority for responders and law enforcement alike.