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

[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