Coast Guard calls off search for 10 Cuban migrants missing off Key West in boat tragedy
The U.S. Coast Guard has stopped searching for a group of missing Cuban migrants whose vessel capsized several days ago near Key West.
Survivors, eight of whom were plucked from the water south of Key West on Thursday afternoon, told USCG they left Puerto de Mariel about five days earlier with 10 others who had drifted away. They said their boat capsized on Wednesday evening. Two were later found dead.
On Saturday at 8 p.m., the Coast Guard suspended the search for the missing migrants, saying it could resume the search if there is new information.
“The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and is made after careful consideration of all the facts. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy,” Capt. Adam Chamie, commander of Sector Key West, said in a written statement.
According to a Coast Guard press release, personnel from the agency, the Navy, Air Force, Customs and Border Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission looked for the missing people for more than 123 hours. They searched about 8,864 square miles — close to the area of New Hampshire.
Increasing numbers of migrants are traveling the Florida Straits to live in the U.S., though a recent policy change doesn’t let Cuban migrants stay once they reach the beach.
This story was originally published May 30, 2021 at 2:44 PM.
