WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated six Cuban migrants to Cuba on Tuesday after two separate incidents in the Florida Straits, including the rescue of people aboard a disabled fishing boat.
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo carried out the repatriation following a series of incidents involving Cuban migrants and mariners in distress, according to the Coast Guard.
On Thursday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West were notified by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew about a rustic vessel southwest of Cay Sal.
A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew located the vessel, and the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans brought three Cuban men aboard. One person was later medically evacuated to shore for a higher level of care.
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On Sunday, a Coast Guard Air Station Miami aircrew located a disabled Cuban fishing vessel with four people aboard about 46 miles southeast of Key West.
The Isaac Mayo crew responded and rescued all four people aboard the vessel.
“Our crews remain vigilant in protecting our maritime borders while safeguarding lives at sea,” said Capt. Aaron Ortenzio, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami. “These cases demonstrate the Coast Guard’s commitment to preventing unlawful maritime entry while responding to mariners in distress.”
The Coast Guard said people intercepted during maritime operations are processed to determine their identities. They are also provided food, water, shelter and basic medical attention before their cases are resolved.
The Coast Guard and its Operation Vigilant Sentry partners maintain a continuous presence using air, land and sea assets to prevent unlawful maritime entry into the United States and its territories while protecting lives at sea.