The Velasco Incident

File #FL-2024-0207 · Off Key West, Florida

A charter yacht returns to port with three guests, a captain, and one fewer body than it left with.

Difficulty: MEDIUM · Play time: 20–30 MIN · 1–2 players, in the browser.

The suspects

• Renata Velasco, 39 — Widow & Charter Co-Owner. Motive: $1.2M life insurance, sole control of charter business
• Diego Marín, 48 — First Mate & Old Friend. Motive: Promised captaincy if Velasco was 'gone'
• Klara Brandt, 33 — Guest / Marine Insurance Adjuster. Motive: Investigated Velasco's claim history — found fraud

The evidence

• EXHIBIT A: Disabled VHF Radio — Cabled mic disconnected — clean cut, not wear. Done before midnight call attempt.
• EXHIBIT B: Missing Life Ring — Starboard ring missing. Bracket shows fresh damage — pried, not torn.
• WITNESS 1: Galley Hand Testimony — 'Mrs. Velasco was screaming at him below deck — about money — around eleven.'
• EXHIBIT C: Life Policy — $1.2M on Captain Velasco. Beneficiary: Renata. Policy taken out 11 months ago.
• EXHIBIT D: Helm Watch Log — Diego Marín signed in 22:00, no break logged until 02:00 — but autopilot was engaged 23:14–00:08.
• EXHIBIT E: Klara's Notes — 'Velasco Charter — three previous fraud claims. Recommend full audit.' Dated day of departure.

A charter boat with three guests and a captain came back with one fewer person than it left with — and open water isn't going to hand you the rest of the story. The Velasco Incident is claustrophobia at sea: nowhere to hide means everyone had a reason to make sure nobody could leave either.

One of you reads the crime scene. The other reads the people. Play The Velasco Incident free — or browse all cases.