A federal jury has convicted Dustin Sean McCabe, 49, of Ocala, Florida, on charges including seaman’s manslaughter, making false statements to the Coast Guard, and wire fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds.
In March 2020, McCabe purchased a 48-foot vessel named the Southern Comfort, misrepresenting its intended use as recreational to the Coast Guard, while actually planning to operate paid scuba diving charters. On March 28, 2020, during a charter near Palm Beach County, the boat experienced mechanical issues, including unintended propeller engagement and steering loss, which McCabe failed to report. The following day, he conducted another dive trip without addressing these problems. Tragically, during this excursion, diver Mollie Ghiz-Flynn was drawn into the propeller, suffering severe injuries that led to her drowning.
Post-incident, McCabe was prohibited from operating the Southern Comfort. Despite this, he fraudulently applied for COVID-19 relief loans, providing false information to secure funds.
McCabe faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for seaman’s manslaughter, five years for making false statements, and 20 years for wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for June 12.
