The following dispatch from officials is somewhat routine for South Florida but it reminds us of yet one more hazard beach divers should regard. On two separate occasions, divers in our group have encountered migrant craft coming ashore during the surface swim segment of their beach dive. While there would be small likelihood of harm from the individuals themselves, reckless handling of their craft poses a danger to an unwary diver.
Some years ago, two of our divers were surfacing from a reef dive when a speeding boat crushed their flag as the occupants eluded capture by a BSO vessel pursuing them. On another occasion, two craft drifted into a few beach divers who had just surfaced during a night dive. The occupants shouted curses and slapped with paddles and sticks, perhaps fearing the divers were law enforcement. On another night dive, divers witnessed a boat unloading bundles that were recovered by a group concealed among the brush on shore. Occupants of that boat appeared to be armed and serious about their mission.
Life is seldom dull in South Florida and it pays to be aware of surroundings and all potential risks.
DANIA BEACH — U.S. Border Patrol agents were searching Dania Beach for migrants who came ashore in the area Thursday night, authorities said.
Federal officers were notified about 7 p.m. by local law enforcement about a smuggling operation and migrants making landfall near 101 Beach Road in Dania Beach, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.
Agents found a vessel that’s suspected of being used, and they were searching for the migrants. It’s unknown where they originated.
A group of at least six migrants from the Dominican Republic were detained a week ago in Palm Beach County.
In May, a group of Cubans made landfall in the Keys and another group swam ashore in Golden Beach in Miami-Dade County after their vessel capsized.