This morning, an investigation is ramping up into a rowdy
group of weekend boaters seen dumping trash into the waters
off Boca Raton,
according to officials. I just couldn't believe it.
I thought it was a joke or something.
Watch as two men throw full garbage cans into the
water.
You can see the trail of trash that follows the
group later seen returning to the shore,
at times waving to the camera operated by a local
boating content creator,
who called out the behavior in a video that's racked
up hundreds of thousands of views and generated A blistering
response from the public.
This has become a worldwide story.
I mean, the world is watching this.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission telling NBC News
its investigation is ongoing and that several suspects have already
been identified.
We are identifying the subjects that were involved in the
illegal dumping of trash in our marine environment.
Those involved would like to step forward and identify themselves.
You can call us investigators say they're working with the
State Attorney's office to identify any potential charges in the
incident.
The voters were leaving a once a year gathering Boca
Bash,
the organization posting on social media.
We do not condone this behavior by any means.
Adding it's appalled that the passengers even had the audacity
to clap at the drone that was filming them dumping
their garbage.
There should be joining groups who actually clean the stuff.
Didn't know what kind of stuff they're doing.
Their actions also upsetting many in the community especially those
who use the waters regularly.
You know in scuba dive here and if we mess
up on the size of a fish that's like a
$5000 fee and and possibly some days in jail.
I mean it's major so we all really careful they
should have some consequence like that so people around them
don't do the same.
All right, so this is clearly a horrible act,
but is it criminal? Could there be criminal charges filed
against him?
So investigators say they are still looking into what kind
of potential charges these people could face.
But if you look at something like Florida's litter law,
for instance, that people are dumping trash into a waterway,
that could be a first degree misdemeanor charge,
which could carry jail time,
community service fines or some combination of that.
Florida's Wildlife Commission chair says that this is an important
teaching moment for those on board,
but also everyone watching. I should also note we reached
out to the owner of the boat and they have
not responded for comment.
I mean the worst consequences,
the whole world.
Thanks, Sam.