COAST GUARD REPATRIATES 152 CUBANS MIGRANTS

DATE: May 21, 2007 12:57:31 PM EDT

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Press Release

Date: May 19, 2007

Contact: SNPA James Judge
(786) 367-7649

Coast Guard Repatriates 152 Cuban Migrants

KEY WEST, Fla. -- Vessels seized during alien migrant interdiction operations are moored at a pier at Coast Guard Sector Key West. The boats, referred to as "go-fasts" are the tool of choice of migrant smugglers. The smugglers operate the vessels at dangerous speeds and often without navigation lights at night, to avoid detection by the Coast Guard and other border security agencies. It is common to see these vessels carrying 25-30 migrants and two or more smugglers. Migrants have suffered injury, and in some cases been killed, due in part to the overloading and reckless operation of "go-fast" vessels. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Mike Bell)

MIAMI - The Coast Guard Cutter Sitkinak repatriated 48 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabanas, Cuba, today bringing the number of Cuban migrants repatriated during the last seven days to 152.

Crews from successfully interdicted 27 migrants from a go-fast vessel Sunday 100 miles southwest of Key West, Fla.

Seven migrants were interdicted by crews on Tuesday from a rustic vessel 40 miles south of Dry Tortugas, Fla.

Coast Guard crews interdicted 14 migrants from a rustic vessel Tuesday 15 miles east of Key West.

"The Coast Guard continues to interdict migrants who attempt to enter the Unites States illegally," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris O'Neil. "There is a safe and legal means by which to enter the United States."

Once onboard Coast Guard cutters, all migrants receive food, water and any nessecary medical attention.

The Coast Guard Cutter Sitkinak is a 110-foot patrol boat home-ported in Miami.

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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.

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