The Coast Guard is searching for 10 people reportedly missing in the water about 16 miles southwest of Key West. Officials said the search will continue through the night.
Eight people were rescued this afternoon, as well as the bodies of two deceased people.
Survivors told officials they left Mariel, Cuba on Sunday, and capsized sometime Wednesday evening.
The search and rescue effort started around 1 p.m. Thursday, when Coast Guard Cutter Resolute, while on routine patrol, spotted multiple people in the water.
The survivors currently remain aboard a Coast Guard cutter, where they will receive food, water and basic medical attention, states a Coast Guard bulletin released just before 10 p.m. Thursday.
“Our responders are focused on the search for survivors,” said Senior Chief Seth Haynes, Key West command center supervisor. “We will continue to search through the night for those reported missing. If any mariners see or hear anything, they’re asked to render assistance if possible and contact the Coast Guard.”
After spotting the survivors, the Resolute crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders, who directed the launch of multiple surface and air assets to assist.
The assets and organizations assisting are:
Coast Guard Station Key West 45-foot response boat;
Coast Guard Cutter Resolute
Coast Guard Cutter Kathleen Moore;
Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter;
Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter;
Naval Air Station Key West H-60 helicopter;
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
