James Nabors, the proprietor of Beach Weekend Boat Rental in Key West, embarked on an unexpected international mission when he set out to retrieve a stolen boat from Cuba. His adventure took a surprising turn when it involved seeking assistance from a U.S. Congress member to navigate the intricate Cuban bureaucracy, despite having all the necessary boat documentation.
The saga began on July 8, when a couple appeared at his business to rent a 26.5-foot Panga boat. Floyd Dean Devasier, a 63-year-old from Katy, Texas, completed the rental paperwork and was accompanied by a woman. He claimed to be planning a fishing trip but requested an unusual extra 20-gallon fuel tank, a detail overlooked by staff.
Initially, the boat's GPS system showed no irregularities. However, shortly thereafter, it registered a deviation over 30 miles south. The boat was spotted by another captain, but notably without any fishing equipment on board. The tracker signal was subsequently lost, and the following day, the Coast Guard reported that the vessel and its occupant had been intercepted in Cuba.
Devasier was flown back and arrested in Miami, yet the boat remained in Havana. Nabors then decided to personally travel with his team to reclaim it. "We had all the paperwork: passport, registration, and boat insurance. Everything was in order," Nabors recounted to Local 10.
While a local contact in Cuba helped locate the docked boat, navigating the bureaucracy proved to be the real challenge. "We were sitting on the boat but couldn't disembark. Then they told us we needed a different stamp from another agency," Nabors described.
The situation escalated to the point where Congressman Jimmy Patronis intervened from Washington, coordinating with the Coast Guard for assistance. Eventually, the boat was released, and Nabors' team mechanic piloted it back to Florida.
Despite the hurdles, Nabors remarked that the struggle was with the bureaucracy, not with the people. "Everyone treated us well. We never felt unsafe," he stated.
Background of a Troubling Incident
This incident involving Devasier was not isolated. With a criminal record for drug-related offenses, he had a similar encounter in 2019 when another rented boat of his ended up in Cuban waters. Authorities in Monroe County, where this latest theft occurred, arrested him on charges of "renting or leasing with intent to defraud." He remains in custody with a bond set at $150,000.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Devasier had no known connections to Cuba. The rental agreement explicitly stipulated no nighttime operation, adherence to maritime laws, and return before the next day’s closing. None of these conditions were met.
Devasier's next court appearance is scheduled for July 28. "Losing a boat in Cuba... I think we'll be talking about this for a long time," Nabors expressed, reflecting on the bizarre incident.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay extended gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations, Cuban authorities, and citizens who contributed to resolving the case. For Nabors, however, the tale of retrieving his boat from Havana will leave a lasting imprint on his career and business. "I never imagined having to search for one of my boats in Havana," he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Stolen Boat Incident
Why did James Nabors travel to Cuba?
James Nabors traveled to Cuba to retrieve a boat stolen from his rental business in Key West. Despite having all the necessary documentation, he faced challenges with Cuban bureaucracy.
What were the charges against Floyd Dean Devasier?
Floyd Dean Devasier was charged with "renting or leasing with intent to defraud" after being caught in Cuba with the stolen boat. He has a criminal history, including drug-related offenses.
How was the stolen boat finally retrieved?
The boat was eventually released after intervention from Congressman Jimmy Patronis and coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, allowing Nabors' team to bring it back to Florida.