Man Arrested After Stealing Boat and Fleeing to Cuba, Leading to International Rescue Operation

Boat Theft and International Pursuit

• 🎯 A $70,000 center console boat was stolen from a rental marina in Key West by a couple, identified as 63-year-old Floyd Deves and an unidentified woman.
• ✈️ Deves allegedly took the stolen boat to Cuba, while he flew back to Miami where he was subsequently arrested.
• ⛓️ Deves is currently held on a $150,000 bond and faces a court date on July 28th.

The Journey to Retrieve the Boat

• 🇨🇺 The stolen vessel was found docked in Havana, Cuba, prompting an international effort to retrieve it.
• 🤝 The boat owner and his team, with the help of a liaison and a call to Congress, navigated through significant red tape to secure the boat's release.
• 🚢 A boat captain and mechanic were tasked with piloting the vessel back from Cuba after its release.

Navigating Bureaucracy and Successful Return

• 📄 The retrieval process involved overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and dealing with embassy requirements, described as "fighting red tape process, not the individuals."
• ✅ The owner expressed gratitude for the assistance that made the boat's return possible, noting the helpfulness of all involved parties.
• 📍 The boat has since been returned to its owner, and Deves awaits further legal proceedings.