BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed that charges are “imminent” for two teenage boaters who were caught on camera throwing trash into the water during Sunday’s Boca Bash.
A spokesperson for the FWC confirmed late Thursday night that the agency is working with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office to determine appropriate charges.
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Authorities have not released the identities of the suspects.
The viral video, taken by social media content creator Wavy Boats, shows the duo dumping two garbage cans full of trash into the ocean about a mile and a half offshore the Boca Raton Inlet.
The video has sparked outrage from the public, with many people calling for them to be arrested and for their parents to be held accountable as well.
One Boca Raton Community High School student who was onboard the boat Sunday told Local 10 News that his friends’ actions are being unfairly scrutinized.
“Trash happens everywhere, all over the world,” that classmate said. “We are terrorizing 15-year-old kids ‘cause of trash. Yes, I know they are dumb, but at the same time, we all (have) to realize that Florida is filled with trash.”
Another teenager who was on the boat said he wasn’t one of those seen on video dumping garbage into the ocean. He said he was one of more than a dozen people on the boat at the time and didn’t notice the others who did dump the trash over the weekend.
“I was looking straight, I was in front of the boat. It’s a pretty big boat so you don’t really notice,” he said.
The teenager said he feels bad that the incident even happened to begin with.
“I completely disagree, that shouldn’t have been the choice he made, but it’s what happened,” he said. “I do feel a little remorse for him, but I feel like he deserves whatever happens because he made a really bad decision.”
Violations to Florida’s litter law can result in civil penalties, fines and possible prison sentences.
Anyone who was on the boat or has further information about the incident is asked to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.