Charter yacht detained by police after Miami Vice death

A police investigation has been launched following the death of a 25-year-old man travelling aboard the 29-metre (95-foot) charter yacht Miami Vice on Sunday (1^st April).

The victim, named by a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report as Raul Menendez, from Hialeah, was reportedly in the water and got struck by the boat’s propellers.

It is not clear whether Menendez jumped or fell off the yacht before the incident occurred, but it is understood that Miami Vice had run aground near Monument Island and the crew were trying to re-float her.

The captain has been identified as 20-year-old Mauricio Alvarez, while 22-year-old Andres Tarcisio has been named as a crewmember on -board at the time of the incident. No other passengers were injured.

Authorities have not levelled charges as yet, however they have ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor. Miami Vice has been impounded at the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach for the duration of the investigation.

Built in 1998 by Intermarine, Miami Vice is operated as a charter vessel boasting a top speed of 55 knots, with accommodation for up to 12 guests on day cruises and seven guests overnight.