Florida Scuba Charter Skipper Indicted for Manslaughter

A 49-year-old boat owner from Ocala (FL), Dustin Scott McCabe, was indicted in August on multiple charges, including manslaughter, and negligent operation of the Southern Comfort, which resulted in 37-year-old Mollie Ghiz-Flynn's death. This led to McCabe's formal suspension from being able to provide paid services with the vessel. (See Undercurrent, April 2020.)

According to the indictment, McCabe purchased the 48-foot Southern Comfort in March 2020 and falsely claimedto the U.S. Coast Guard that he was using it only for recreational purposes, though he conducted unauthorized paid scuba charters.

The indictment also alleges after McCabe was unable to operate the Southern Comfort for pay, he operated under Florida Scuba Charters, Inc. to "engage in Paycheck Protection Program fraud" by submitting two loan applications that he "fraudulently obtained and/or had forgiven."

If convicted of any charges against him, McCabe faces up to 20 years in prison.