MIAMI – United States Coast Guard said its crews rescued nine Cubans, who were safely transferred to Cuban authorities.
It’s reported that a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew spotted and notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel, Sunday, about 54 miles southwest of Marquesas Keys.
Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr’s crew arrived on scene and brought the migrants aboard, due to the vessel actively sinking and safety of life at sea concerns, the US Coast Guard said.
“The vessel was later sunk as a hazard to navigation,” it said. “No injuries or significant medical concerns were reported among the migrants.”
The US Coast Guard said it routinely returns persons interdicted at sea aboard unseaworthy vessels to their country of origin to prevent the loss of life at sea.
“Coast Guard crews patrol the Florida Straits, Windward Passage and the Mona Passage, maintaining a solid presence with air and sea assets to save lives by removing migrants from unsafe environments and deterring dangerous illegal migrant activity” said Capt. Shawn Koch, Coast Guard Air Station Miami commanding officer.
“Coast Guard crews provide humanitarian aid, including food, water, blankets and medical care to migrants while they are in U.S. custody,” he added.
Since October 1, 2020, the US Coast Guard said crews have rescued 838 Cubans compared to: 5 396 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2016; 1 468 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2017; 259 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2018; 313 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2019; and 49 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2020. (CMC)
