MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Sky 10 was overhead Wednesday morning as beachgoers encountered a new and unexpected tourist attraction on South Beach.
Miami Beach police were checking out a large cabin cruiser called the Margaret Marlene that is registered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that was beached on the north side of the jetty at South Pointe Park Pier.
Miami Beach police initially said they didn't know where the boat came from and had categorized it as an abandoned vessel.
"Apparently it broke loose from its mooring and drifted here, but they don't know where it came from," one beachgoer, Tyler Wunsch, said.
U.S. Coast Guard officials said the boat drifted ashore around noon Tuesday and they finally were able to contact the owner Wednesday so it can be removed.
Strong easterly winds are making for some rough conditions, beaching the vessel perilously close to the jetty.
One fisherman told Local 10 News reporter Todd Tongen the boat sighting was a good surprise for him as it helped lure more fish to the area.
"I think it is really funny. It creates maybe some habitat for the fish," Aaron Elbaz said.
Elbaz ended up catching a snook and some mullet.
The boat appears to have some damage to its hull. It is unclear if it is seaworthy and can be towed, or if it needs to be patched up first.
Coast Guard officials said the owner is in the process of hiring a tow company to remove the boat, but until then, it looks like the Margaret Marlene will be spending a day at the beach.