Cuban migrants rescued off Keys on a raft, Coast Guard says. That's not where they stayed

[Judi Lynn]

BY GWEN FILOSA
APRIL 26, 2021 06:13 PM

Two Cuban migrants who were rescued off the Florida Keys last week were taken back to Cuba on Monday by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The two men were rescued Thursday by the motor tanker STI Brixton’s crew, who saw them waving their arms on a raft about 70 miles southwest of Marathon, the Coast Guard reported.

“We’re always grateful to the boating public for helping us save lives,” said Lt. j.g. James Rimmele, executive officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton. “Trying to enter the country in this manner isn’t just illegal, it’s dangerous. Putting yourself out into the dynamic environment of the sea unprepared is never worth the risk.”

Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo’s crew took the two Cuban migrants to Cuba on Monday.

U.S. officials say there has been an uptick in the number of people from Cuba making the risky journey across the Florida Straits.

More:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article250960339.html

[Turbineguy]

1. I was on a ship where we picked up 6 Cubans in 1994

They were floating on a couple of truck innertubes tied together. When they left Cuba they were 12. Half drowned. They were in a terrible state and had been drinking seawater. They were lucky they were found. They did not get caught in the Gulfstream and on their way to Europe.

The Coast Guard came out and took them to Miami.

[RustyWheels]

2. My wife was on a cruise ship in 1994 headed to Mexico

When they picked up Cuban rafters at night after leaving Key West. May have been the same ship ??

My wife, who is Cuban, was traveling with her family. It was a memorable experience, as she talks about it whenever Cuban rafters are rescued at sea trying to make it the U.S.

[Judi Lynn]

3. Great to see two personal experiences posted. Unusual, for sure. 🌴 🌴

Hoping so hard that Biden will have the time to study this policy and end the hostilities, at long last. It's about time, after all.

Thank you.

Welcome to D.U., Rusty Wheel. ⭐️