Florida Boat Captain Got Drunk, Held Passengers Hostage At Gunpoint: Cops

A charter boat captain from Florida was arrested after allegedly holding his passengers hostage while drunk and high. 36-year-old Mark Bailey was arrested by the Sarasota Police Department and charged with boating under the influence and resisting arrest, but he could be facing more charges from the Coast Guard for his actions while 60 miles offshore.

Passengers told the police that Bailey had been drinking beer and rum during the voyage, and even did lines of cocaine. At one point during the trip, he got into an argument with one of the passengers, which quickly escalated when Bailey ripped a chain off the man's neck.

He then pulled out a handgun and discharged multiple shots. He told his passengers he was going to kill them and dump their bodies in the water.

"For the first time in my life I didn't think I was coming back," passenger Christopher Giuffre said. "I thought for sure someone was going to perish."

Bailey eventually returned to port and was taken into custody as he stepped off his boat. He refused to take a breathalyzer test or a field sobriety test and became combative as officers detained him.

The Coast Guard has joined the investigation and could bring more serious charges against Bailey, including kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Photo: Sarasota Police Department


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content