A shocking incident has raised serious concerns about the security protocols at the Port of Palm Beach, after a passenger managed to board a cruise ship with a loaded 9 mm gun. The incident occurred last month when a woman, later described as "unstable and uncooperative," boarded the Margaritaville at Sea with a loaded gun, reports The Palm Beach Post. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents discovered the firearm during routine screening after the passenger disembarked the cruise ship and attempted to leave the port. It was later revealed that the woman had the loaded gun in her possession from December 4 to December 7, spanning the entire duration of the cruise.

The Port has placed its security provider, Weiser Security Services, on probation, highlighting the potential catastrophic consequences that could have arisen from this security lapse. This incident has prompted the Port's Executive Director to demand corrective action plan from Weiser Security Services to prevent future security breaches.

The Port of Palm Beach's decision to place Weiser Security Services on probation stems from the alarming discovery that a passenger spent a four-day cruise with a fully loaded firearm on board. Meekins emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the failure to detect the weapon could have resulted in a "catastrophic life-altering event on the vessel or within the cruise terminal." The security company is now required to submit a comprehensive security plan to address the shortcomings that allowed the loaded gun to go undetected.

Unlike airports, where Transportation Security Agents handle security checks, cruise terminals typically employ private security companies. Weiser Security Services, with a workforce of over 4,000 nationwide and more than 40 years in the industry, is responsible for security at the Port of Palm Beach. Meekins stressed the importance of holding the security company accountable for the breach and warned against future lapses in detecting firearms, stating that such issues will not be tolerated.

The Port of Palm Beach is now investigating why the loaded gun went undetected during the passenger's boarding process. The Weiser officer responsible for monitoring the security system on that day has been reassigned for retraining. Additionally, extensive audits on firearm detection procedures have been conducted for all officers manning the X-Ray system. The port is determined to rectify the lapses in its security procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent such incidents in the future. As the investigation unfolds and corrective measures are implemented, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of passengers and maintain the highest standards of security.