US Coast Guard Repatriates 10 Cuban Migrants

Crewmembers aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter Nantucket repatriated 10 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, Saturday.

Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Legare located a rustic vessel 23-miles southeast of Vaca Key, Fla., Tuesday and safely embarked the four Cuban migrants. The migrants were later transferred to the cutter Nantucket.

A good Samaritan vessel reported a rustic vessel 20-miles northeast of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Monday. The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Sawfish located the vessel and embarked six Cuban migrants. The migrants were later transferred to the cutter Nantucket.

“Both of these illegal migrant ventures demonstrate just how risky and dangerous taking to the sea in unseaworthy vessels can be. We were fortunate to rescue these individuals and their journey did not end tragically,” said Cmdr. Tim Cronin, Coast Guard Seventh District deputy chief of enforcement. “The Coast Guard will continue to put a high priority on patrolling offshore to prevent illegal migration, rescue those who are in peril, and return migrants to their country of origin.”

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Press Release, March 28, 2014; Image: USCG