Cuban migrants come ashore Virginia Key

Migrants say they have friends, family in South Florida

MIAMI – A small group of Cuban migrants came ashore Tuesday in Virginia Key.

Sky 10 was above the 3700 block of the Rickenbacker Causeway just after 10:30 a.m. and saw a woman and three men speaking to authorities at the lifeguard stand.

A small wooden boat was spotted on the sand nearby.

The group, who spoke some English, told Local 10 News that they are from central Cuba.

"(I came) for a better life," the woman said.

Two of the migrants are brother and sister and the other two are friends. One of the friends said he has family in South Florida and the others have friends in the area.

The group, who range in age from 27 to 40, left the island with swim fins and wet suits. They also loaded their boat with canned meat, fruit and water.

Lifeguards said the migrants immediately approached the lifeguard stand when they came ashore, identified themselves as Cubans and asked what they needed to do to stay in the U.S.

"I have no idea how the process is going to be here," one man said.

The lifeguards gave the migrants first aid treatment and water while they waited for Border Patrol to arrive and take custody of the migrants.


About the Authors

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Layron Livingston made the move from Ohio's Miami Valley to Miami, Florida, to join the Local 10 News team.

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