A search and rescue effort by the U.S. Coast Guard continues after a vessel carrying more than 20 Cuban migrants sank not far from Stock Island.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection Chief Patrol Agent Walter Slosar said his agents and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a migrant landing around 1 p.m. on Sept. 28. Slosar said four migrants swam to shore after their vessel sank due to inclement weather. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue operation to find 23 more individuals.
“We are searching and will update as we get more information,” the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard said crews successfully rescued three people in the water about 2 miles south of Boca Chica on Sept. 28. They were transported to Lower Keys Medical Center for symptoms of exhaustion and dehydration.
As of Thursday morning, U.S. Coast Guard air crews resumed the search for the remaining migrants missing after a vessel they were on sunk. The Coast Guard said ships continue to patrol the Florida Straits assisting with the search and rescue.
As of Thursday afternoon, search and rescue crews successfully located and retrieved nine Cuban migrants from the waters off the Lower Keys after a vessel carrying close to 30 migrants sank a day ago. According to Walter Slosar, U.S. Customs & Border Protection chief patrol agent, the nine migrants onboard the vessel that capsized were successfully rescued. U.S. Coast Guard air crews and ships are continuing the search for 18 others not accounted for as of Thursday.
As of Friday morning, the Coast Guard said crews discovered a deceased person near Ocean Edge Marina. Crews are still searching for 17 missing people.
This story will be updated as more becomes available.
