Port West Palm Beach has instituted a probationary period for its security provider (Weiser Security Services Inc) following an incident where a passenger spent a 4-day cruise last month with a fully loaded gun on board the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship.
Michael Meekins, the Executive Director, expressed concern that the failure to detect the weapon posed a potential risk of a significant event on the vessel or within the cruise terminal. In a letter dated December 8th, Meekins requested Weiser to develop a comprehensive corrective action security plan to prevent a recurrence of such a security breach.
The passenger, identified as "unstable and uncooperative" by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, was detained after an X-Ray machine revealed the gun during her attempt to leave the port. Typically, CBP agents do not inspect belongings before boarding, as this responsibility falls under port security. The confiscated firearm, a loaded 9 mm with eight bullets, was taken from the passenger, and potential consequences for her actions remain unclear.
In contrast to airports where Transportation Security Agents oversee security, cruise terminals, including the Port of Palm Beach, often contract their own security companies. Weiser will undergo performance evaluations until March 7 to determine whether they will continue their services. Meekins emphasized that any future issues related to the failure to detect firearms will not be tolerated.
For more Margaritaville Paradise incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.