15-35-CWS | May 26, 2015
BILOXI, Miss. – Marine Patrol officers issued eight citations over the Memorial Day weekend, all of them boat-and-water safety violations, including one for boating under the influence.
From Saturday morning through midnight Monday, officers checked 141 vessels and 615 people. In addition to the eight citations, officers issued 19 warnings.
“We believe boaters heeded the call for consideration of others and our warning not to drink and boat, based on the low numbers of citations issued during the holiday,” said Keith Davis, chief of Marine Patrol. “We commend boaters for ensuring the safety of their families and others.”
There were 33 Marine Patrol officers, nine reserve officers and five dispatchers who worked over the weekend. In 2014, officers issued 67 citations.
Late on Tuesday afternoon, officers still were searching for Omar Gonzalez, 16, of Petal who disappeared after traveling to Ship Island with friends.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at www.dmr.ms.gov
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