Cruise line worker arrested at Port Everglades for child sexual abuse material, feds say
A Celebrity Cruises crew member appeared in Fort Lauderdale federal court Tuesday after federal agents said they found child sexual abuse material on his phone after he disembarked at Port Everglades the day prior.
Detectives work to ID more victims of Royal Caribbean worker accused of voyeurism
Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives are working in conjunction with federal investigators in an attempt to identify more potential victims of a Royal Caribbean cabin attendant accused of placing hidden cameras in bathrooms, an agency spokesperson said Thursday.
Woman detained getting off cruise ship at Port Everglades for crime she didn’t commit
A Texas tourist who took a cruise from Port Everglades returned, only to be arrested at the port on a felony child endangerment charge. She spent three nights in the Broward County Jail, but it turns out law enforcement officials detained the wrong person.
State deploying 500K gallons of fuel to South Florida amid logistical crunch
Tuesday marked another day of long lines at South Florida gas pumps as fuel tankers continued to make their way to South Florida gas stations, playing catch-up after flooding issues created logistical problems at Port Everglades.
FLL, Port Everglades officials ask travelers to check with airlines, cruise lines amid flood recovery
Officials with the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades asked travelers to check with their airlines and cruise lines for changes on their itinerary amid ongoing flood recovery Friday.
Royal Caribbean postpones new cruise ship’s inaugural voyage after crew members test positive for COVID-19
The inaugural voyage of Royal Caribbean’s new Odyssey of the Seas ship from Port Everglades was scheduled for late June, but has been postponed after eight crew members tested positive for COVID-19, the company’s president and CEO, Michael Bayley, confirmed on social media.
Port Everglades CEO explains how cruising safety will change when sailings eventually resume
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The COVID-19 vaccine is helping to bring back a sense of normalcy for many, but the cruse industry is far from making a comeback. Even before stepping onto a cruise ship, passengers at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale can see vending machines that dispense face masks. That’s just part of the new reality at Port Everglades, where social distancing reminders and spacing markers will remain up indefinitely. Large scale cruise passengers have been missing from these terminals for nearly a year, though. Social distancing signage inside a terminal at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
Coast Guard offloads $411.3M of cocaine, marijuana at Port Everglades
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Crewmembers of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter James offloaded about 23,000 pounds of cocaine and about 8,800 pounds of marijuana — valued at more than $411.3 million — on Wednesday morning at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. ”We know that each interdiction saves lives and helps to protect others from violence, extortion and instability,” Vance said, adding that 50 accused smugglers. The U.S. Coast Guard turned over the accused smugglers, cocaine, and marijuana to federal authorities in Broward County. Vance said maritime narcotraffickers are still using customized go-fast boats, also known as go-fast vessels, or GFV. The list of those in attendance at the port also included U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Karl Schultz, Netherlands’ Col. Jarst de Jong, France’s Capt.
Port Everglades gets $120 million upgrade as cruise industry prepares to resume sailings
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. – As healthcare workers begin receiving the first round of the COVID-19 vaccines in South Florida, the cruise industry is preparing to welcome travelers once again. Construction continued Monday inside the brand-new Herron Garage at Port Everglades. “We’ve done everything we can to accelerate while business is down and times are a little bit slower,” said Port Everglades CEO Jonathan Daniels. At Port Everglades, cruising related revenues are down about $60 million. Of those 6,000 people, 4,500 work in the cruise industry.
Huge ‘next generation’ cranes from China arrive at Port Everglades for expansion project
Three Super Post-Panamax container gantry cranes, the largest of their kind worldwide, arrived to take part in the largest expansion project in the port’s history. Construction for the $471 million project is expected to be done by late 2022. The value of economic activity related to Port Everglades is nearly $32 billion. “Finally, the world’s largest ship-to-shore gantry cranes low profile arrive at Port Everglades,” said Jonathan Daniels, the chief executive port director. Now Port Everglades is equipped to handle some of the largest container ships in the world.
Broward County businesses, industries say things are slow, but better
Because of that, county leaders are considering relaxing some of coronavirus restrictions. It’s been good to so far,” Broward County Mayor Dale Holness said during a press conference Saturday. With schools reopening, Holness said there is possibility of a surge. We hope that business can come out like it used to be before.”:Also taking a big hit is the cruise ship industry. It’s the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, that has the final say on when cruise ship operators can being sailing again.
Coast Guard offloads more than $228 million worth of cocaine, marijuana at Port Everglades
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded about 11,500 pounds of cocaine and 17,000 pounds of marijuana Thursday morning at Port Everglades. The drugs have a street value of about $228 million in total, authorities said. Sky 10 was above the port as the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton offloaded the drugs that had been seized during multiple interdictions in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea. Timothy Cronin, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton. “One word describes the work of the Coast Guard throughout this year -- it is extraordinary,” said U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan, of the Southern District of Florida.
Boaters prep just in case Hurricane Isaias impacts Broward
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. The U.S. Coast Guard warned Port Key West, Port of Miami and Port Everglades to expect threatening winds with Hurricane Isaias. Local 10 News Weather Authority (Local 10 News)Broward County is under a tropical storm warning on Friday. The storm has already caused some damage in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and storm surge in Exuma, Bahamas. Hurricane Isaias has caused some damage in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. (Local 10 News)WATCH: Norcross: Hurricane Isaias forecast models inch closer to FloridaTRACK STORM: Hurricane Isaias forecast to maintain strength as it tracks near South Florida coastFOR MORE COVERAGE: Visit our Local 10 Hurricane Page.
Venezuelan smugglers lost $3.2M in cars at Port Everglades, feds say
Dylan DeFrancisi, port director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said the value of each vehicle ranges between $20,000 and $140,000. The investigation began in April after a tip received by Homeland Security Investigation special agents in Bogot, Colombia. Salisbury said Raul Gorrin, the president of 24-hour television network Globovisin and La Vitalicia insurance company in Venezuela, was involved. John Tobon, HSI Miami deputy special agent in charge, is also involved in the investigation. How all these vehicles were going to Venezuela, paid for in cash and none of the businesses involved knew about it?
Coast Guard offloads about 30,000 pounds of drugs at Port Everglades
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. – The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter James offloaded about 23,000 pounds of cocaine and about 6,900 pounds of marijuana Tuesday at Port Everglades following seizures in international waters. According to Coast Guard officials, the drugs were seized during 11 interdictions in the eastern Pacific Ocean, off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America and in the Caribbean Sea. The interdictions of the drug smuggling vessels were made by four Coast Guard cutters and two U.S. Navy ships. Jeffrey Randall, commanding officer of the cutter James. I couldn’t be more proud of my crew and their hard work.”According to Coast Guard officials, the U.S. Southern Command began enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere on April 1.
Coral Princess docks in Port Miami after being denied by Port Everglades
MIAMI – The Coral Princess cruise ship arrived at Port Miami Saturday morning, hours after being denied entry at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. On Saturday night, one of the very first groups of passengers cleared to return, 50 Floridians, departed the Coral Princess ship. Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corp., switched the Coral Princess’ original destination from Fort Lauderdale. The Coral Princess departed March 5 from Chile. The Regal Princess delivered supplies to the Coral Princess.
26 sick people remain aboard coronavirus-plagued cruise ship at Port Everglades
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The coronavirus pandemic nightmare isn’t over for 26 people who remain quarantined and sick aboard a plagued cruise ship at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. (Local 10 News)Only one crew member and 13 passengers were allowed to disembark the MS Zaandam on Thursday at Port Everglades. Workers in full personal protective equipment handled the luggage and disinfect it at Port Everglades. Carnival Corp. arranged for private transporation for Americans who were stranded at sea in one of their cruise ships. Passengers look out from the Zaandam cruise ship, anchored in the bay of Panama City, Friday, March 27, 2020.
Cruise ships dock at Port Everglades; critically ill passengers will be taken to Broward Health
Thirteen passengers and one crew member will be taken to Broward Health Medical Center for treatment, while 26 passengers will be staying on board to be quarantined for 14 days. The ship will not remain at the port for that entire time, officials say, but crew will be staying on board. Of the 1,211 passengers deemed fit for travel, most will be taken to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to board chartered flights back home on Friday, said Port Everglades’ Alinda Montfort. We’re thankful to the people of Broward County,” Rick de Pinho, of New Jersey, said. De Pinho and his wife were on a two week South American voyage on the Zaandam ship when the new coronavirus began spreading on their ship.
Port Everglades worker diagnosed with coronavirus
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A man working at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale was diagnosed with Covid-19, the contagious respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. When the outbreak in Broward County began, some of the first cases reported were from people who worked at Port Everglades. Amid the growing crisis, Broward County authorities discussed the dilemma of whether or not to allow cruise ships stranded at sea to dock in the port. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Health denied the ships’ entry. On Wednesday afternoon, state public health officials reported there were more than 1,200 Covid-19 cases and 12 deaths in Broward County.
Commissioners to review Carnival’s plan to dock 2 stranded cruise ships at Port Everglades
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The coronavirus pandemic left the passengers on MS Zandaam and MS Rotterdam stranded at sea, and now their fate is in the hands of Broward County commissioners. Holness decided they need more time to review the feasibility of a plan to allow the ships to dock at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday. The MS Zandaam, which has COVID-19 patients, departed from Buenos Aires on March 7. The bodies remain on the MS Zandaam, which has at least 180 people reporting COVID-19-like symptoms. The MS Rotterdam has 1,400 people on board who are not symptomatic.
Looks like sick ship could end up docking at Port Everglades
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Two cruise ships with almost 2,000 people aboard could be arriving by Wednesday or Thursday to Port Everglades. The ship had been anchored outside Panama Canal since Thursday waiting for approval from Panamanian authorities to allow the ship passage through the canal. Holland America planned to have passengers were not ill be transferred to a healthy ship, the cruise line’s Rotterdam, and then isolate those who were sick on the Zaandam. The Rotterdam would also dock at Port Everglades to have passengers disembark. Holland America stated on its web site that only passengers who have not been ill will be moved, and health screenings will be conducted before transferring.
Holland America to deliver coronavirus tests to cruise ship with 77 ill enroute to Broward
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Holland America Line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, deployed a ship to deliver coronavirus test kits to the MS Zaandam cruise ship heading to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. The MS Zaandam’s voyage continues with 1,829 people on board, including 30 guests and 47 crew members who have reported coronavirus symptoms and haven’t been off the ship since March 14 in Chile. “Holland America Line has deployed Rotterdam to rendezvous with Zaandam and provide extra supplies, staff, COVID-19 test kits and other support as needed,” a cruise line representative wrote in a statement. Carrying 611 crew and no guests, Rotterdam departed Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Sunday and is set to meet with MS Zaandam’s crew on Thursday evening off the coast of Panama. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection and the Port Everglades Pilots Association are assessing the situation.
Should cruise ship with sick patients be allowed to dock in Fort Lauderdale?
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Local officials are debating whether to allow a cruise ship with sick passengers to dock in Fort Lauderdale. Holland America Line’s MS Zaandam cruise ship is on its way to Port Everglades in hopes of docking there next week. If it all goes as planned by Holland America Line, it will arrive at Port Everglades March 30, according to the statement. But Cruise Mapper and other ship tracking services showed its Port Everglades arrival to be April 7. Some of the first COVID-19 cases reported in Broward County had links to workers who were in contact with cruise ship guests arriving at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
Broward County COVID-19 cluster nearly doubles in 1 day, officials say
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Amid a spreading worldwide pandemic, Broward County’s newly confirmed COVID-19 cases nearly doubled in one day. The Florida Department of Health announced early Saturday morning there are 20 positive cases of COVID-19 involving Broward County residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects COVID-19 cases to increase nationwide. The Saturday morning DOH reports showed the positive cases of COVID-19 in Florida had surged to 83 -- and include three deaths. Here is the list of COVID-19 cases in Broward County as of 12:54 a.m., March 14:UNDER INVESTIGATION: 7 casesWoman, 22, is a patient with a case that remains under investigation.
5 COVID-19 cases linked to Port Everglades as investigation continues in Broward County, officials say
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Investigators linked five COVID-19 cases to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, according to a statement Broward County released on Friday afternoon. According to Margaret Stapleton, a spokeswoman for Broward County, the area’s Emergency Operations Center was partially activated. The Florida Department of Health data shows Broward County has the biggest cluster in the state. One of the three non-Florida residents diagnosed with COVID-19 is in Broward County, officials said. Here is the list of COVID-19 cases in Broward County:TRAVEL RELATED: 2 cases (no longer under investigation)- Man, 61, is a travel-related case.
Princess Cruises cancels Caribbean Princess’ voyage out of Port Everglades
He was among the 3,140 guests who could have enjoyed a 10-day voyage on the Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess had it not been for COVID-19 cases. Princess Cruises canceled the voyage on Wednesday at the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Princess Cruises is also the operator of the Grand Princess and the Diamond Princess, which are linked to hundreds of COVID-19 cases in Japan and California. Princess Cruises employees who had worked in the Grand Princess in California were tested while working aboard the Caribbean Princess and the Regal Princess, which were both scheduled to dock at Port Everglades. Voyages on both the Regal Princess and the Caribbean Princess were canceled.
3 COVID-19 patients worked at ‘various’ Port Everglades’ cruise terminals
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Metro Cruise Services -- the employer of three of the four COVID-19 patients in Broward County -- released a statement on Tuesday saying they worked at various cruise terminals in Port Everglades. Metro Cruise Services President Anthony Newman said the company was unaware the three part-time employees were sick until public health officials notified them. Officials recommended employees of Metro Cruise Services at Port Everglades with any association to the COVID-19 cases to self-quarantine. Trouble is some COVID-19 patients can be asymptomatic while spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and some patients’ symptoms won’t be apparent until after about 14 days. For more information about the cases, call the Florida hotline at 1-866-779-6121 or the COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-799-6121.
Port Everglades moves closer to being ‘big-ship ready’ with $29M project
The project will expand parts of the Intracoastal Waterway, so cargo ships are able to transit to and from the southern part of the port. It also contributes to part of the cost of building a new facility for the U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. Recently, Congress allowed the port to move forward with the USACE fiscal year 2020 work plan. In 2017, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners approved the $500 million Southport Turning Notch Expansion, or STNE, construction. Workers broke ground June 2018 and the historic project is set to be completed in 2022.
Cruise ship returns to Port Everglades early after gastrointestinal outbreak
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A cruise ship returned to Port Everglades on Thursday morning after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness forced it to cut short its voyage. Frank Boguth speaks to Local 10 News from the balcony of his cabin on the Caribbean Princess. “All we saw was the staff cleaning, cleaning, cleaning,” Rosemary Neilson said. A santitization crew is headed toward the @PrincessCruises Caribbean Princess ship. Crew members for the next @PrincessCruises voyage on Caribbean Princess getting ready to get on board.
South Florida-based cruise ship returning early after gastrointestinal outbreak
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A South Florida-based cruise ship is cutting its voyage short after a gastrointestinal outbreak. “This is a highly unusual development and we share the disappointment of our guests,” the cruise line said in a statement. Princess Cruises said there are no cases of coronavirus identified among the 4,196 people on the ship. All guests will receive a 50% refund and a future cruise credit valued at 50% of the cost. Upon its return, the Caribbean Princess will be sanitized and is expected to resume its travel schedule with a Feb. 16 departure from Port Everglades.
1 injured in crane collapse at Port Everglades
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. – One person was injured Tuesday afternoon during a crane collapse at Port Everglades, authorities confirmed. According to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Michael Kane, the 46-year-old victim suffered a non-life-threatening back injury during the incident at 1820 Eller Drive. The man was taken to Broward Health Medical Center. Kane said the crane had been on a flatbed when it tipped over. He said 50 gallons of fuel spilled at the scene, which was contained by the department’s hazmat team.
Firefighters from multiple agencies train for fires at sea in Port Everglades
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. – Fighting fires at sea is always a potential reality for South Florida first responders, which is why firefighters routinely practice response efforts aboard ships in simulated trainings. Fort Lauderdale and Broward Sherriff’s Fire Rescue participated in a joint training Friday morning in Port Everglades. “One of the most dangerous things at sea is a fire,” Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollian said. “The reason for that is there is no place to go.”The exercise started with a controlled fire aboard a ship. “Your resources are normally a long ways away and it takes them a long time to get there,” Gollian said.
U.S. Coast Guard offloads thousands of pounds of drugs in Port Everglades
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. - The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded tons of cocaine and marijuana Monday at Port Everglades. The Coast Guard Cutter James crew offloaded approximately 27,300 pounds of seized cocaine worth an estimated $367 million and 11,000 pounds of seized marijuana worth an estimated $10.1 million. "The crew of James, operating in the dark of the night and under challenging conditions, drove our boat, flew our helicopters to interdict drug smugglers operating a variety of vessels," Capt. The drugs were interdicted in international waters of the Caribbean basin and the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico and Central and South America. The contraband was seized in 18 separate interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels by the U.S. Coast Guard over the course of 6-8 weeks.
U.S. Coast Guard offloads thousands of pounds of drugs in Port Everglades
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. - The U.S. Coast Guard has offloaded thousands of pounds of cocaine and marijuana at Port Everglades today. The Coast Guard Cutter James crew offloaded approximately 27,300 pounds of seized cocaine worth an estimated $367 million and 11,000 pounds of seized marijuana worth an estimated $10.1 million. The drugs were interdicted in international waters of the Caribbean basin and the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico, Central and South America and include contraband seized and recovered in 18 separate interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels by the U.S. Coast Guard. "The offload of over 13 tons of drugs represent the efforts of not only 10 Coast Guard cutters over 18 separate interdictions, but also the commitment and dedication of the international allies and partners, like the Colombians, as we work together to disrupt the networks that profit from them," Lt. Cmdr. Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
U.S. Customs agents find nearly 50 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A major drug bust has been announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Nearly 50 pounds of cocaine were found concealed inside boxes of oranges. CBP made the find at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. According to CBP, the estimated street value of the cocaine is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
Video shows mayhem of mullet run in Port Everglades
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A family of migrating ray-finned fish helped a couple of fishermen to catch big fish Tuesday near Port Everglades, and the moment made for some jaw-dropping video. Mark Coleman, the pastor for New Life Baptist Church in Davie, shot the video showing a "rolling wave" of the desperate baitfish leaping out of the water. The baitfish phenomenon happens when a massive school of grey mullets sends predators such as Tarpon, Redfish, Snook and Kingfish into a frenzy. Every year, during the Florida fall mullet run, the grey mullets migrate south from the Carolinas in large schools along the Atlantic coast. The fish go on to breed in the Gulf Stream and form massive bait schools.
Local first responders return with evacuees following trip to Bahamas
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Firefighters with the City of Miami and Miami-Dade fire rescue are back in South Florida. There was a warm welcome home for local first responders, storm weary Bahamians and United States citizens desperate to get homeThey arrived together at Port Everglades late Tuesday by ferry. Over four grueling, sweltering days, rescue teams from South Florida canvassed the hardest hit areas in the northern islands of the Bahamas. A pregnant woman on board arrived safely with family members. She is from North Miami Beach and is still waiting on seven relatives to arrive from the Bahamas and stay with her.
South Florida firefighters head to Freeport to deliver supplies, help with rescue operations
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. - A team of South Florida firefighters left Port Everglades Friday morning to help those in need in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian. A team of 30 firefighters -- half from the City of Miami and the other half from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue -- boarded a ferry at Port Everglades bound for Freeport. While the U.S. Coast Guard conducts search and rescue operations on the coast, South Florida's firefighters will focus inland. This is local government helping our neighbors in the Bahamas," Miami-Dade County Deputy Mayor Maurice Kemp said. Miami Fire Rescue and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue are each planning to send 25 more members to the Bahamas with extra equipment on Sunday.
Firefighters rescue man from belly of cargo ship in Port Everglades
Firefighters rescued a man from the belly of cargo ship in Port Everglades Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Broward Sheriff Fire RescueFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Firefighters rescued a man who fainted while working inside the belly of a cargo ship Sunday afternoon at Port Everglades, according to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue. "While the outside temperatures may creep into the 90s, the temperature inside a steel container such as the hold of a cargo ship can soar, easily reaching temperatures well over 100 degrees," Kane said in a statement. Port Everglades station personnel moved quickly to treat the man with oxygen and intravenous fluids, Kane said. Firefighters rescued a man from the belly of cargo ship in Port Everglades Sunday.
Firefighters rescue man from belly of cargo ship in Port Everglades
Firefighters rescued a man from the belly of cargo ship in Port Everglades Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Broward Sheriff Fire RescueFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Firefighters rescued a man who fainted while working inside the belly of a cargo ship Sunday afternoon at Port Everglades, according to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue. "While the outside temperatures may creep into the 90s, the temperature inside a steel container such as the hold of a cargo ship can soar, easily reaching temperatures well over 100 degrees," Kane said in a statement. Port Everglades station personnel moved quickly to treat the man with oxygen and intravenous fluids, Kane said. Firefighters rescued a man from the belly of cargo ship in Port Everglades Sunday.