MaritimeMigrationNews

US CBP Air and Marine Operations and Partner Agency Rescues 23 Migrants from Sinking Vessel

On July 25, Air and Marine Operations Miami Air and Marine Branch Marine Interdiction Agents partnered with United States Coast Southeast crews to rescue 23 people from the sea near Marathon, Florida.

Yesterday morning, a Marathon-based 41-foot SAFE Boat crew responded to a notification from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West of a Cuban rustic vessel located south of Marathon. Once the AMO agents arrived, the agents noted the rustic vessel had begun to take on water and was dangerously close to sinking.

The Marine Interdiction Agents responded quickly providing life jackets to the migrants as the rustic vessel sank resulting in frantic attempts to swim or cling to any debris within reach. The AMO crew swiftly moved to a rescue response recovering migrants from the water by hoisting them up in into the safety of the 41’ SAFE Boat, rescuing 22 people. 

Air and Marine Operations rescued 23 Cuban migrants on July 25 after the rustic vessel began to take on water and sink
Air and Marine Operations rescued 23 Cuban migrants on July 25 after the rustic vessel began to take on water and sink.

A United States Coast Guard Station Marathon crew arrived and rescued an additional migrant from the hazardous waters. The rescuing crews transferred all 23 migrants to Coast Guard partners for further processing. 

“Safety of life at sea for migrants attempting to enter the Unites States is a priority for AMO.” said Tony Arevalo, Director of Air and Marine Operations’ Miami Air and Marine Branch. “Our crews provide humanitarian aid to people who have been traveling for days on unforgiving seas in unsafe vessels. They are often in need of medical attention, flotation devices, food, & water.”