MIAMI – Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr.’s crew repatriated 34 migrants to Cuba, Friday, following an interdiction near Marathon.
Coast Guard Cutter Sycamore’s crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Monday, at approximately 2:30 p.m., about 34 miles southeast of Boot Key. Law enforcement boat crews from the Sycamore, Charles David Jr. and Station Marathon intercepted the vessel and transferred the migrants to Cutter Charles David Jr. for disposition.
The Coast Guard and its Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast federal, state and local partners will continue to patrol by land, air and sea to rescue and repatriate anyone attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully by sea.
“Illegally migrating to the U.S. in an overloaded rustic vessel is exceedingly dangerous and puts you and your loved one’s at risk,” said Lt. Thomas Pease, Coast Guard District Seven enforcement officer. “The Coast Guard’s highest priority is preventing the tragic loss of life at sea.”
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants are treated with dignity and respect, and receive food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention.
For more information, follow these links to Department of Homeland Security fact sheets:
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