Texas Man Steals Boat
A Texas man is behind bars after Monroe County authorities say he took a rented boat from the Florida Keys all the way to Cuba — without permission — sparking an international maritime incident that left both U.S. and Cuban officials stunned.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), 63-year-old Floyd Devasier, a resident of Katy, Texas, was arrested this week after allegedly stealing a rental boat from a Stock Island marina near Key West and illegally navigating it to Cuban waters. Surveillance footage and tracking data reportedly confirmed his unauthorized journey across the Florida Straits — a feat that stunned both the marina operators and local law enforcement.
The Rental Gone Rogue
On Tuesday, Devasier rented a center-console Panga boat from Beach Weekend Key West Marina, located on Stock Island. The rental agreement, according to MCSO, required Devasier to return the vessel before the close of business on Wednesday and mandated that he strictly adhere to all maritime laws and U.S. jurisdictional boundaries. The paperwork made clear that international travel was strictly forbidden without prior authorization.
But when Wednesday evening came and went with no sign of Devasier or the boat, marina staff quickly became suspicious. According to the marina manager, multiple phone calls to Devasier’s listed number went unanswered. Staff then contacted the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, triggering a wider search involving the U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security.
Tracked to Cuba
Using onboard GPS equipment and surveillance systems, authorities discovered the vessel had veered far off course. By Thursday morning, the boat had been spotted near the Cuban coast, raising serious questions about Devasier’s intentions and safety.
Surveillance footage shared by local authorities shows Devasier fueling up the Panga-style boat before departing the marina solo. MCSO reports that weather conditions were relatively calm at the time, making the 90-mile crossing from Key West to Cuba potentially treacherous but not impossible for an experienced boater.
Sources say Devasier was taken into custody by Cuban authorities after arriving near the coastal town of Cabañas, Cuba, where he reportedly made contact with Cuban officials under unclear circumstances. The U.S. State Department worked with local Cuban counterparts to arrange his return.
Returned and Arrested
Devasier was transported back to Key West late Thursday under U.S. custody. Upon arrival, he was formally arrested and booked into the Monroe County Detention Center. He now faces charges including:
Grand Theft (vessel)
Violation of maritime navigation laws
Failure to return leased property
Authorities say additional federal charges could be filed pending further investigation, particularly relating to international travel and possible illegal entry into Cuban waters.
Motive Remains Unclear
At this time, officials have not released a clear motive for Devasier’s decision to pilot the boat to Cuba. Investigators are exploring whether he was attempting to defect, seek asylum, or simply acted on impulse. The sheriff’s office said he has no known ties to Cuba and has no previous record of maritime violations.
“He signed a legal document with very clear terms,” said MCSO spokesperson Becky Herrin. “This wasn’t a case of misunderstanding — it was a blatant disregard for the rules and for international law.”
Community Reaction
News of the incident has raised eyebrows among locals in Key West, where rental boats are a common part of tourism and fishing culture. Many expressed concern that such incidents could damage trust between marina operators and customers, especially amid already-strict boating regulations in the area.
“That someone would take a rental boat across the ocean to Cuba is crazy,” said local boat captain John Markham. “It’s dangerous, illegal, and just plain foolish.”
What’s Next
Devasier remains in custody at the Monroe County Jail, awaiting a bail hearing. If convicted, he could face multiple years in prison, fines, and a permanent ban from operating any vessels in U.S. waters.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the rental boat was returned safely and is being inspected for any damage. Meanwhile, federal authorities are reviewing the case to determine whether additional international maritime charges or diplomatic repercussions may follow.
As of Friday, no official comment has been issued by Cuban authorities.
This bizarre maritime escapade has added yet another chapter to Florida’s long and strange history of high-seas misadventures — but few quite as bold, or as baffling, as this one.
