Southeast Public Affairs – [email protected]
MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell’s crew repatriated six aliens to Cuba, Thursday, following a maritime migrant interdiction southeast of Plantation Key.
A good Samaritan reported to Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders, Monday, that there was a vessel with six people aboard waving their arms for assistance, approximately 17 nautical miles southeast of Plantation Key. Coast Guard Station Islamorada’s crew launched a small boat, and Coast Guard Cutter Lawrence Lawson’s crew diverted to the scene. A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew and U.S. Customs and Border Protection marine units also responded.
Coast Guard crews arrived on scene and located a 12-foot vessel carrying six migrants. All six people were accounted for, and no medical assistance was requested.
Coast Guard Cutter Lawrence Lawson’s crew transferred the six people to Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell for further processing. Following processing, the six individuals were identified as Cuban nationals.
“Our mission is to safeguard lives at sea while preventing unlawful maritime migration,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Isaiah Edenfield, a coxswain at Coast Guard Station Islamorada. “Every interdiction demonstrates our commitment to protecting our maritime borders and ensuring the safety of those we encounter.”
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, interdicted migrants 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
