INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A boat has washed ashore in the 8400 block of A1A and is believed to have been used in human smuggling, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation has been turned over to the United States Customs and Border Patrol, part of the Department of Homeland Security. The vehicle will be seized and removed by Customs as part of its investigation.
The Coast Guard was called to search the area after authorities found the boat. No occupants were found, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
“(The boat was) totally clean inside, about 5-6 life saving vests,” said Lidia Doweyko, through Facebook.
No keys were found in the ignition.
“As protocol (the Coast Guard) had to conduct a search,” said Petty Officer Sabrina Laberesque.
Witnesses on the scene described it as a twin engine cabin cruiser.
The call came in around 8:15 a.m.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed anything is encouraged to contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477). By contacting Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers, you can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.