Coast Guard, good Samaritans rescue 19 Cubans after raft flips off Florida coast
Courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard
ISLAMORADA, Fla. - Nineteen Cubans were rescued from the water approximately 33 miles southeast of the Alligator Reef Lighthouse near Islamorada after their raft flipped over, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
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The Cubans were rescued by the motor tanker Methoni crew, who contacted the Coast Guard around 1:40 p.m. on Friday to report that they launched their lifeboat to rescue people from the water.
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One person was airlifted to a hospital in Marathon for treatment and the other 18 are expected to be returned to their country of origin.
Courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard
"We are extremely thankful for the Methoni crew for rescuing everyone from the water and notifying us quickly," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul Altieri, a duty watchstander at Sector Key West Command Center. "As we close out 2021, it's good to know these 19 people will get back safely to their families."
Courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard
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