U.S. Coast Guard intercepts vessel from Cuba, repatriates 14 Cubans

By Darrell Moody

April 14, 2021 at 7:19 am EDT

KEY WEST, FL, UNITED STATES 04.10.2021 Courtesy Photo U.S. Coast Guard District 7 Coast Guard crews took 14 migrants off a rustic vessel, April 10, 2021, due to safety of life at sea concerns off Key West, Florida. They were repatriated to Cuba on April 13, 2021. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

By Darrell Moody

April 14, 2021 at 7:19 am EDT

The U.S. Coast Guard is sharing images of a makeshift boat intercepted off the Florida Keys this week. The vessel was carrying 14 Cubans seeking asylum in the U.S.

#Breaking U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans' crew repatriated 14 Cubans to Cuba Tuesday after taking them off their...
Posted by U.S. Coast Guard Southeast on Tuesday, April 13, 2021

A good Samaritan reported the boat Saturday about 35 miles northwest of Key West.

Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans’ crew responded and treated the occupants for dehydration and sunburn.

“The Florida Straits are unpredictable,” said Coast Guard Liaison Officer Lt. Cmdr. Mario Gil, U.S. Embassy Havana. “It is not safe to take to the seas in makeshift vessels that aren’t seaworthy.”

Since October 1, 2020, Coast Guard crews have interdicted 166 Cubans compared to fiscal year 2019 where 314 Cubans were sent back to their island country.

Cox Media Group

Darrell Moody

Darrell Moody is a 6 generation native Floridian, born and raised in central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2003. In 2007, Darrell began his radio career with the Florida News Network and WFLF in Orlando.

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