BISCAYNE BAY, Fla. (WSVN) – Several agencies are preparing for tense hostage situations at sea. They held a disaster drill, Wednesday.
Miami-Dade Police invited 7News to check out a tactical training exercise on Biscayne Bay. “God forbid, in the event that something happens, that we’re prepared, and we can get in there as quick as possible and save lives,” said Miami-Dade Police Assistant Director Freddy Ramirez.
In order for the exercise to work, Ramirez said, they need to work together. “It’s very important that we focus on our teamwork, and we communicate and we work in order,” he said.
Helicopters flew overhead and several boats were posted in the water for all of the action, which happened about three miles off shore. The boat 7News crews were on followed closely as officials worked a staged hostage situation, all through the wind, water and noise, making it a tough but realistic combination.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Protection partnered with Miami-Dade Police in the drill, but other agencies joined in for support.
“We practice on land, we practice in an urban environment, but it’s very important that we protect also the water,” Ramirez said. “We always have to be prepared, especially in today’s environment.”
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