United States v. Errol Maynard, United States of America v. Glen Petersen, United States of America v. Austin Caines

BOWNES, Circuit Judge.

Defendants-appellants Errol Maynard, Glen Petersen, and Austin Caines, appeal their jury conviction of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 46 U.S.C.App. § 1903(a), (e), and (f), on the grounds, inter alia, that their vessel was not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States when the Coast Guard boarded and searched it. We reverse the convictions for lack of jurisdiction.

I. BACKGROUND

A. The Undisputed Facts

On February 16, 1988, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Vashon was conducting a routine patrol along the south coast of Puerto…