October 13, 2020 — Michael Foy, the American longline fishing boat captain who has been detained in the British Virgin Islands since June 8, has finally been released on bail. Foy’s daughter, Jordan Cassoff, confirmed his release on Thursday, but noted that “this isn’t over until it’s over.”
For those who haven’t been following along, Foy, who lives in Puerto Rico, left for a fishing expedition on May 29. On June 8 Foy was caught in territorial waters near Peter Island and Norman Island. Foy said that he believed that the BVI port had been closed because of the coronavirus, but not the border itself. He had been drifting near the coastal border off Norman Island while waiting to get customs clearance to return to Puerto Rico when a patrol boat escorted him to shore. BVI authorities then arrested Foy for illegal entry and illegal fishing. His vessel was seized, as well as the 7,000 pounds of tune and swordfish that was worth more than $60,000.