MIAMI – South Florida Catholic charities, which usually help migrants who have made it to shore, said they believe 12 Cuban migrants intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday will be sent back to Cuba.
Authorities said the small raft made it very close to shore off Key Biscayne, when it was approached by rescue boats from the Coast Guard and the city of Miami.
Sylvia Figueroa, who lives nearby, said she was walking along the beach when she saw the migrants being rescued.
"One tried to swim, but it seems that he didn't make it," Figueroa said.
Authorities said the 24-year-old man jumped off the raft after seeing flashing lights from the rescue boat. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for heat exhaustion.
A look inside the boat revealed the migrants were ready for a long voyage. There was a makeshift engine. In case it failed, there were paddle boards and some life jackets as well. They were also carrying cans of beef and two bags filled with crackers.
Some of those rescued from the boat told rescuers they had been at sea for five days.
"These people, they must have a lot of desire, a lot of needs, a lot of things that they want to come to a beautiful country like this is," Alejandro Diaz said.
Local 10 News reporter Ben Kennedy spoke with a couple who said their cousin and nephew were on the raft.
Teresita Cabrella and Jose Gross said their nephew suffered a broken finger while trying to carry the raft and was treated at Mercy Hospital. They are waiting to find out when their family members will be sent back to Cuba.
Typically, Cubans who make it to shore are allowed to stay, while those who are intercepted are returned under the "wet foot, dry foot" policy.
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