United States v. James R. Helms, Robert F. Ihle, Robert C. Mason

DONALD RUSSELL, Circuit Judge:

The appellants — the captain and two crew members of a sailboat — were convicted of violating the Federal Drug laws as a result of a search of the vessel apprehended traveling inland from “outside” through the Five Fathom Creek Channel off the coast of McClellanville, South Carolina. The validity of such search is the sole issue on appeal. The District Court found the search valid and it is that decision from which this appeal is taken. We affirm.

In proceeding from the docks at McClellanville to the ocean, ships pass through Jeremy Creek, across the Intracoastal…