U.S. Coast Guard Intercepts Boat With Migrants Off Key Biscayne
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Chopper4 was over the scene as a U.S. Coast Guard vessel approached a group of Cuban migrants aboard a makeshift sailboat spotted off Key Biscayne.
"About noon, we got a report from a Good Samaritan some Cuban migrants, saw some Cuban migrants, off Eliott key," said U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Eric Woodall.
The Coast Guard says it launched two boats to intercept the vessel.
Some of the 17 people aboard continue to paddle and were seen trying to communicate with the Coast Guard crew.
"When our boats got on scene, the migrants were cooperative. We gave them life jackets. We were able to safely embark them," Woodall said.
On Monday, Border Patrol says a group of 16 Cuban migrants made landfall near Boca Chita in what appears to be part of a maritime smuggling operation.
One person was transported to the hospital due to an injury.
Officials say they've seen a big increase in the number of Cuban migrants trying to make it to the U-S.
"We've seen a more than 100 percent increase in Cuban migrant number this year. We've already had more than 5,800 migrants attempt to reach U.S. soil since October compared to about 4,500 migrants last year," Woodall said.
