US Coast Guard repatriates 29 Cubans found at sea – CBS Miami

MIAMI (CBSMiami) — The U.S. Coast Guard has announced the repatriation of 29 Cubans found at sea.

Coast Gaurd officials said the Cuban nationals were intercepted on two different days. The first group was intercepted on a rustic ship about 46 miles south of Key West on February 12.

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The second group was intercepted around 7:40 p.m. Sunday on a 20-foot green wooden vessel, about 21 miles west of Elbow Cay.

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“We urge people not to set sail on vessels that are not seaworthy,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Nolan, a duty watch in the Key West sector.

“Our air and surface crews, along with our local and federal law enforcement partners, work together every day to maintain an active presence in the Florida Strait and Mona and Windward Passages to help save lives in deterring dangerous travel.”

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The Coast Guard said that since October 1, 2021, it has rescued 730 Cubans at sea.