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Drunk charter captain holds clients hostage at sea

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A fishing charter captainreportedly got drunk and did drugs while holding his passengers hostage (image: Sarasota Police Dept via Fox News).

A CHARTER captain off Florida, USA, was this week arrested for boating under the influence of alcohol after reportedly threatening and holding his passengers hostage on a 12-hour fishing trip. 

According to an article on the Fox News website, Captain Mark Bailey, 36, was hired by Carlo Lopeparo, 35, for a day-long fishing excursion with his family and friends.

However, seven hours into the trip and 60 miles off shore, things became violent. The son of one of the passengers went to get a beer for his uncle, Lopeparo, from the second deck of the small charter boat. Bailey allegedly told the teen to put it back, reportedly grabbing him by the necklace, which broke.

Lopeparo then got into an argument with the captain and began “yelling and screaming” before other passengers intervened.

The passengers tried to get the captain to return to shore around 2.45 p.m., but Bailey continued to steer the boat another 10 to 15 miles out. According to the passengers’ reports, Bailey was drinking beer and rum during the trip. One passenger claimed to have seen the captain snorting cocaine and another alleged he was smoking a joint.

At one point, Bailey allegedly said “I have a 9 mm and if I want, I will put a bullet in each of your heads and leave you out here.”

The group said they considered overtaking the captain, but his gun prevented them from doing so. Bailey allegedly shot his handgun approximately six times while they were on the boat.

Bailey finally started heading back to shore, but once within 10 miles he reportedly motored in circles. At this stage a passenger called 911 and the Coast Guard.

Bailey finally steered the boat back to the dock where police and Coast Guard officers were waiting for him. According to the article, he resisted arrest and kicked a patrol car door while he was being handcuffed.

You can read the full story HERE.

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