MIAMI – A group of 11 Cubans attempting to get to the United States was sent back to the island.
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Sharon Vela, a watchstander in Miami, said in a statement the men were attempting an "extremely dangerous" voyage on an "unseaworthy vessel" and the interception was done "in an effort to prevent the loss of life."
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The group's plan failed after Cuban authorities alerted U.S. authorities on Friday. Cuban border security officers sent the report to the Coast Guard's watchstanders in Key West, and Miami's HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft crew found the boat.
After intercepting the vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered's crew took the 11 men to the Bahamas.