A Homestead-bound lost boater has been found. He’s being investigated for human smuggling
The search for Juan Gonzales, who left Bimini for Homestead on Sunday, ended with the 54-year-old boater found and safe, the U.S. Coast Guard announced Wednesday.
But the Coast Guard also said Gonzales is being investigated for suspected human smuggling because he had a passenger when he was found Tuesday around 10:45 p.m. — his 22-year-old stepson, who isn’t a U.S. citizen.
“Maritime migration is dangerous and illegal,” said Lt. Karolina Del Hierro Vega, a Coast Guard Seventh District Enforcement officer. “Human smuggling ventures, whether paid for or made by a friend or family member, are subject to criminal and civil penalties.”
No one had heard from Gonzales after his Sunday departure on a 22-foot Cris Craft boat, and the search began when he was overdue arriving at Homestead Bayfront Park. The Coast Guard said Sector Miami watchstanders got a report from a good Samaritan that there was a disabled boat about 10 miles off Jupiter Inlet with two people.
Apparently, Gonzales’ boat had run out of gas.
This story was originally published November 17, 2021 at 11:59 AM.
