St. Pete Yacht Owner Convicted of Obstructing Probe After Charter Deaths
November 5, 2023
In an alarming case that highlights a tragic incident, a St. Petersburg yacht owner has been convicted of obstructing a federal investigation after two fatalities occurred during a charter in 2017. Patrick Dines, the president of FYC Yachts, a well-known yacht charter brokerage company, now faces the possibility of a five-year federal prison sentence. The incident in question involved an overcrowded FYC-chartered yacht called the Jaguar, which set sail from Maximo Marina in St. Petersburg. While anchored in Pass-a-Grille Channel, two swimmers were swept away by strong currents, leading to their disappearance. In an attempt to evade responsibility, Dines allegedly encouraged one of the remaining passengers to pose as a crew member and fake the number of passengers on board. However, the passengers noticed inconsistencies in the charter contract and refused to comply with Dines’ directives. This disturbing tale showcases the lengths some individuals will go to cover up their negligence in the face of tragedy.
Background
In 2017, an incident occurred during a charter yacht trip that resulted in the deaths of a passenger and crew member. This tragic event led to an investigation into overcrowding on charter yachts, and the subsequent conviction of the owner of FYC Yachts, Patrick Dines.
Conviction and Sentencing
Following the investigation, a federal jury found Patrick Dines guilty of obstructing a Coast Guard proceeding. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in federal prison. Dines’ sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Details of the Incident
The incident involved the charter of the Jaguar, a yacht chartered by FYC Yachts. During the trip, swimmers were swept out to sea due to strong currents in the Pass-a-Grille Channel. Tragically, both a crew member and a passenger were unable to make it back to the boat and were swept away by the current.
Obstruction of Investigation
Upon the return of the Jaguar to the marina, Patrick Dines interacted with the remaining passengers and encouraged one of them to pretend to be a crew member. This was an attempt to mislead Coast Guard investigators about the number of passengers onboard. Dines had previously given similar instructions to other charter boat captains to misidentify passengers as crew members during USCG boardings. Additionally, Dines tried to have the remaining passengers sign a charter contract to absolve himself of any responsibility for the incident. However, the passengers refused to sign due to discrepancies in the contract details.
History of Misleading Coast Guard
Patrick Dines’ attempt to obstruct the investigation was not an isolated incident. There were prior instances where Dines instructed charter boat captains to misidentify passengers during USCG boardings. This pattern of deceptive behavior suggests a willingness to disregard safety regulations and potentially put passengers at risk.
Background on FYC Yachts
FYC Yachts is a yacht charter brokerage company based in St. Petersburg. Patrick Dines held the position of president within the company. The company facilitates the chartering of yachts for individuals or groups, allowing them to experience the luxury and freedom of a private yacht trip.
Coast Guard Investigation
During the investigation, Patrick Dines was interviewed by Coast Guard investigators in relation to reports of overcrowding on FYC-chartered yachts. Safety law violations were suspected, and Dines assured the investigating officer that his company was in compliance. However, the subsequent incident involving the Jaguar raised further concerns regarding the company’s adherence to safety regulations.
Overview of the Trial
The trial of Patrick Dines involved a federal jury who examined the evidence presented by the prosecution. The jury concluded that Dines had indeed obstructed a Coast Guard proceeding. The defense presented arguments to counter the charges, but the jury found Dines guilty based on the evidence presented.
Impact of the Verdict
The conviction of Patrick Dines has implications for charter companies, as it highlights the importance of accountability in the industry. Safety measures and adherence to regulations are crucial to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members during yacht charters.
Reactions to the Verdict
Family members of the victims expressed their thoughts and feelings regarding the verdict. The yacht industry as a whole also responded to the conviction, acknowledging the need for responsible practices and safety protocols. The Coast Guard provided their perspective on the case as well, emphasizing the importance of compliance with regulations to prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the conviction of Patrick Dines for obstructing a Coast Guard proceeding following the tragic incident on the Jaguar charter yacht serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and accountability in the yacht charter industry. The details of the incident and Dines’ attempts to obstruct the investigation reveal a pattern of deceptive behavior, further highlighting the need for rigorous enforcement of safety regulations. This verdict sends a message to charter companies and individuals in the industry that non-compliance will not be tolerated, and that the safety of passengers and crew members should always be the top priority.
