The owner of a marina in the Florida Keys expressed his bewilderment after a boat rented from his business was illegally taken to Cuba by a man from Texas, who is now facing federal charges.
The boat, a 26.5-foot Panga, has not yet been recovered and represents a significant loss for the company, as reported by NBC News.
“How was it possible that we lost a boat in Cuba?”, wondered James Nabors, owner of the Beach Weekend Key West marina, in statements to local media.
Nabors explained that the man, identified as Floyd Dean Devasier, 63 years old and a resident of Katy, Texas, rented the boat with all the 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 went undetected.
The vessel was equipped with a GPS tracker, and initially, everything seemed normal. However, the system recorded a deviation of 30 miles south of Key West, and it was spotted by another captain without fishing rods on board, which raised suspicions.
Shortly after, the tracker signal was lost. The following day, the Coast Guard reported that the vessel and its occupant had been detained in Cuba.
"It's a substantial loss for the company to lose a central console in Cuba, so we hope there is someone who can help us recover the asset," said Nabors.
Devasier was repatriated by air and arrested in Miami. Court records reveal that he has a criminal record for drug offenses and that in 2019 he was involved in a similar incident when another vessel rented by him also ended up in Cuban waters.
Currently, he is being held in the Miami-Dade County jail and a bail of $150,000 has been set.
“Missing a boat in Cuba... I think we will be talking about this for a long time, added Nabors.”
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay thanked everyone who helped bring the case to a satisfactory conclusion.
"I want to thank the United States Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Cuban Border Guard, and the good Samaritan who was in the water for their help and cooperation," he stated.
Frequently asked questions about the case of the rented boat taken to Cuba
How was the rented boat taken to Cuba?
Floyd Dean Devasier rented the boat in the Florida Keys and, under the pretense of a fishing trip, diverted the vessel towards Cuba. The boat was equipped with a GPS tracker, but after veering 30 miles south of Key West, the signal was lost and it was ultimately apprehended in Cuba.
What charges does Floyd Dean Devasier face for this incident?
Devasier faces federal charges for "renting or leasing with intent to defraud." These charges stem from his action of taking the boat to Cuba with no intention of returning it, thereby violating the terms of the rental agreement.
What is the current situation of the boat and its owner?
The boat has not yet been recovered and represents a significant financial loss for Beach Weekend Key West marina. The owner, James Nabors, is seeking assistance to recover the vessel.
What background does Floyd Dean Devasier have?
Devasier has a criminal record for drug offenses and has been involved in similar incidents. In 2019, another vessel rented by him also ended up in Cuban waters, which indicates a pattern of behavior related to the misuse of rented vessels.
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