MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo’s crew repatriated 6 people to Cuba, Tuesday, following a maritime migrant interdiction and a disabled boat rescue on the Florida Straits.
Thursday, Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received notification from a U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew of a rustic vessel southwest of Cay Sal. A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew located the vessel, and Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans’ crew embarked three Cuban males. One person was later medically evacuated to shore for a higher level of care.
Sunday, a Coast Guard Air Station Miami aircrew located a disabled Cuban fishing vessel with four people aboard approximately 46 miles southeast of Key West. Isaac Mayo’s crew responded and rescued the four people.
“Our crews remain vigilant in protecting our maritime boarders while safeguarding lives at sea,” said Capt. Aaron Ortenzio, the commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami. “These cases demonstrate the Coast Guard’s commitment to preventing unlawful maritime entry while responding to mariners in distress.”
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, interdicted aliens are processed to determine their identity and are provided food, water, shelter and basic medical attention before disposition.
The Coast Guard, along with its Operation Vigilant Sentry partners, maintains a continual presence with air, land and sea assets in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry. The combined, multilayered approach is designed to protect safety of life at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry to the United States and its territories.
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Source: www.news.uscg.mil
