A 25 year-old charter guest onboard the 91ft yacht, Miami Vice was killed after being struck by the yacht's propeller. At the time of the accident, a total of 7 guests were onboard and the yacht was being operated by a crew of 2.
According to NBC, the victim was named Raul Memendez He died in the waters near Monument Island, authorities said. Preliminary information indicates that Menendez was struck by the vessel's propellers.
"The Florida Conservation Commission will be conducting a thorough boating incident investigation." the FWC's Law Enforcement Division representative said. "Remains found by the FWC and other responding agencies confirm that the victim is deceased."
The operator of the yacht was identified as Mauricio Alvarez, 20. Authorities have not said how Menendez fell off the yacht or whether he jumped off, but said the incident happened just before 4:45 p.m. Sunday while the yacht was near Monument Island, just off Miami Beach.
"The police just came very fast and everybody thought that something happened," witness said. No collision and no other vessel was involved. Authorities said investigators are speaking with the yacht's passengers and crew to figure out what happened.
Reaching up to 55 knots, the Miami Vice is a hybrid between a speedboat and yacht, according to its promotional website. Featuring an interior salon and two cabins, the yacht could be rented for a 4 hour, half day cruise for $4,000 or for 8 hours for $5,800. A pricing spectrum that is typical for Miami charters.
The U.S. Coast Guard seized the boat and towed it to the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Miami Beach. The Miami Vice was listed on Airbnb for $5,000 per night. The listing said that it holds up to 16 guests.
Source : https://www.nbcmiami.com