The passengers are not arrested, only the boat operator is. That is, unless you mean the passengers may be arrested if returned to their country.
My suggestion...secure the boat captain and the boat, then do what you can for the PIW's. Otherwise you are inviting every smuggler to toss people overboard to get away from you.
The decision is never going to be black and white though.
I can't speak for Coast Guard policy but I once asked a friend who was a Florida Deputy about advice for car chases. I asked him if he was expected to stop for a wreck during a pursuit to render aid if the fleeing driver was still trying to escape. He told me "I am not a doctor, I am a cop, my job is to catch the bad guys" adding he would certainly call in fire rescue but continue with the chase.
Now with the Coast Guard being both rescue and L/E, it may not be as easy to make that call.
Another thing to add....CBP in the FL Keys has a case like that a while back. They were chasing a private boat coming from Cuba. The captain made the refugees go overboard and I believe CBP picked them up first. The CBP with four engines had no problem catching up with the suspect boat and were able to make the arrests.
I would get it straight from your chain of command as to what they expect of you in those situations and CYA.
Good luck
Don
This message has been edited. Last edited by: 21yrsUSCGUSCS,
