Two Florida teens have issued an apology after being charged with dumping drums of trash into the Atlantic Ocean during the annual Boca Bash. The incident, captured on viral drone footage, has sparked outrage and drawn the attention of authorities.
In the wake of a viral video showing revelers discarding garbage into the ocean at Florida's Boca Bash, two teenagers have been charged with third-degree felonies. The footage, captured by Florida-based YouTube channel Wavy Boats LLC, depicts the teens tossing two bins filled with bottles and plastics overboard from their fishing vessel.
As the boat sped away from the boozy water gathering on April 28, it left behind a trail of debris floating in its wake. The video also shows the teens waving and laughing.
The Boca Bash, held on the last Sunday of April each year, attracts thousands of boaters to Lake Boca Raton for a day of partying. This year's event saw approximately 6,000 to 10,000 revelers, with many sharing photos and videos of themselves dancing, jumping from boat to boat, and consuming alcohol.
However, the viral video of the trash dumping incident has cast a shadow over the event, prompting condemnation from environmentalists and authorities alike.
On Monday, the family of one of the boys issued a statement of apology through a spokesperson. "We take responsibility for caring for our oceans and our community very seriously, and we are extremely saddened by what occurred last weekend at Boca Bash," the family wrote. "We want to extend our sincerest apologies to everyone who has been impacted and rightfully upset by what occurred."
The statement continued, "Our family and our counsel have remained in touch with FWC since we were first contacted by them and have continued to cooperate with all authorities. As a family, we agree with FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto that this is a teaching moment for the young kids involved and they should certainly participate in community service and ocean conservation efforts to deepen their understanding of the importance of our community and environment."
According to the Miami Herald, the two teens, aged 15 and 16, turned themselves in to police on Friday. FWC officials tracked down the boys by searching the boat's registration and visiting the Gulfstream address of the owner, the 15-year-old's father.
The father reportedly expressed remorse and asked to speak with an attorney present before providing further comment.
Prior to the announcement of charges against the teens, the FWC reported making 20 arrests connected to the Boca Bash, including 17 for boating under the influence. However, none of those incidents garnered the same level of outrage as the trash dumping incident.
FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto emphasized the importance of this case as a "huge teaching moment." He added, "This has become a worldwide story... Hopefully, it will be a huge teaching moment for all of them."
The consequences of the teens' actions are expected to include participation in community service and ocean conservation efforts. The incident has also raised concerns about the environmental impact of such gatherings and the need for increased enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
