The owner of a marina in the Florida Keys has been left baffled after a rented boat from his establishment was illegally taken to Cuba by a Texas man, who now faces federal charges. The 26.5-foot Panga, still unrecovered, represents a significant loss for the business, according to a report by NBC News.
"How did we manage to lose a boat to Cuba?" wondered James Nabors, the proprietor of Beach Weekend Key West marina, in comments to local media. Nabors detailed that the individual, identified as Floyd Dean Devasier, 63, from Katy, Texas, had rented the boat with all proper documentation and was accompanied by a woman.
However, a request for additional fuel—initially justified as part of a fishing trip—may have been a warning sign that was overlooked. The boat had a GPS tracker installed, and initially, everything appeared routine. Yet, the system recorded a 30-mile detour south of Key West, and another captain noticed the boat without fishing rods, raising suspicions.
Soon after, the GPS signal vanished. The following day, the Coast Guard reported that the boat and its occupant had been detained in Cuba. "Losing a center console in Cuba is a substantial hit for the company, so we're hoping someone can assist us in recovering the asset," Nabors stated.
Devasier was flown back and arrested in Miami. Court records reveal he has a criminal history involving drug offenses and was implicated in a similar incident in 2019 when another rented boat ended up in Cuban waters. He is currently held in Miami-Dade County Jail with a $150,000 bond.
"Losing a boat to Cuba... I think this will be a topic of conversation for quite some time," Nabors added. Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay extended his gratitude to all involved in bringing the case to a successful conclusion. "I want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Cuban Border Guard, and the good Samaritan on the water for their help and cooperation," he expressed.
Insight into the Boat Incident Involving Cuba
What type of boat was involved in the incident?
The boat involved was a 26.5-foot Panga, which is a type of small fishing boat.
Who was the individual responsible for taking the boat to Cuba?
The individual was Floyd Dean Devasier, a 63-year-old resident of Katy, Texas.
What were the legal consequences faced by Floyd Dean Devasier?
Floyd Dean Devasier was repatriated and arrested in Miami, with a $150,000 bond set due to his federal charges.