1 airlifted to hospital after migrant boat comes ashore in Sunny Isles Beach

12 migrants rescued from water, 3 detained on shore, authorities say

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. – Three people were injured, including one who had to be hospitalized, early Tuesday morning after a migrant boat with more than a dozen people onboard came ashore in Sunny Isles Beach.

According to first responders, the 24-foot Mako Center Console washed ashore around 3 a.m. right behind the Turnberry Ocean Colony condominium building on Collins Avenue.

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Adam Hoffner, with the U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, later confirmed that the boat had capsized near the shoreline before coming ashore.

He said the migrants were rescued by multiple agencies.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials confirmed their crews responded to that area after getting a call about an overturned boat in the area.

When crews arrived, they treated two people at the scene and another had to be airlifted to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital.

First responders did disclose the extent of their injuries.

Homeland Security confirmed that 12 migrants were rescued from the water, including the migrant who was airlifted. The 11 others pulled from the water have since been transferred onto a U.S. Coat Guard boat.

They said three migrants were apprehended ashore by Border Patrol agents.

Officials later used a large tractor to pull the boat out of the water and onto the sand.

From where that vessel came is still unclear.


About the Authors

Trent Kelly is an award-winning multimedia journalist who joined the Local 10 News team in June 2018. Trent is no stranger to Florida. Born in Tampa, he attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he graduated with honors from the UF College of Journalism and Communications.

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

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