Yarmouth DNR investigates possible BUI, assists kayakers, cites illegal crabbers

YARMOUTH – On Wednesday at approximately 7 PM, Yarmouth Police were dispatched to the report of a possibly intoxicated male boarding a vessel at Wilbur Park in South Yarmouth.

A Yarmouth DNR Law Enforcement Officer had just signed on for shift and made contact with YPD dispatch personnel. After collecting more information, it was determined the individual in question had boarded a vessel with several young children and began operating that vessel south bound on Bass River. Yarmouth DNR patrol boat J47 was notified and advised to be on the lookout.

Shortly after a Yarmouth DNR Law Enforcement Officer boarded patrol boat J47 and headed to the last known area to investigate.

The YDNR Officer located the vessel and made contact with the operator in question. After a lengthy investigation it was determined that the individual was not under the influence of any substances. The vessel however, suffered an engine malfunction near the speed zone in Bass River and was subsequently towed from the area back to Bass River by a commercial tow service.

Yarmouth DNR takes all reports of possible boating under the influence (BUI) cases very seriously. Alcohol mixed with boating operation is a deadly combination.

Don’t drink and boat.

Meanwhile while investigating the possible BUI, a 911 call to YPD dispatch center reported two kayakers in distress in Lewis Bay. It was additionally reported that one of the kayakers was in the water and the kayak was capsized.

A Yarmouth DNR Law Enforcement Officer responded via DNR Patrol Boat J48. That officer arrived on scene and located two male parties in the water clinging to their kayaks. One of the kayaks was completely submerged. The DNR officer made contact with the males and advised them to climb aboard. They were hesitant to do so. The DNR officer noticing the depth of the water told the two parties to try and stand. At that point they followed his direction and were able to just barely touch the bottom. The DNR officer then advised them to slowly make their way to shore as he paralleled them in the water. The DNR Officer escorted the two male parties into shore to safety.

What ended up saving these two males was the fact that both stayed with their kayaks and both had life jackets. The wind ended up pushing them in just enough that they were able to make it to shore with the help of YDNR.

Then later at approximately 10:20 PM, a Yarmouth DNR Law Enforcement Officer conducting enhanced blue crab enforcement in the area of crab creek observed a large group of individuals crabbing.

That officer stationed himself and awaited those individuals to exit the water to inspect their catch.

The officer encountered several individuals and advised them he was going to inspect their catch. Two male parties advised the officer they were the only ones catching blue crab. Those parties were identified and it was determined one was from Georgia and one from Maryland.

The YDNR officer conducted an inspection of their catch to determine if undersized or egg bearing blue crab were present. During his investigation and inspection multiple undersized crab were discovered. That crab was seized.

Due to the multiple violations, a citation was issued for possession of undersized catch (blue crab).

Yarmouth DNR reminds visitors and residents alike, your natural resources will only last as long as populations are sustained and resources used responsibly. Sustainability of your resources is directly affected by your adherence to regulations set forth by the state.

(Yarmouth DNR thanks Yarmouth Police Dept. for assisting on scene)
Media release and photos furnished by Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources



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