DATE: August 17, 2009 4:23:15 PM EDT

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News Release

Date: Aug. 17, 2009

Contact: PA2 James Harless
305-415-6683
Coast Guard repatriates 19 Cuban migrants

MIAMI -- The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Drummond repatriated 19 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, Monday.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft crew located a 25-foot go-fast vessel about 20 miles south of Cay Sal Banks, Bahamas, Wednesday. CBP agents contacted Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders to inform them of the vessel's position.

The crews of  Coast Guard Station Islamorada, Fla., Coast Guard Station Marathon, Fla., and Coast Guard Cutters Knight Island and Nantucket arrived on scene and interdicted the vessel. After an assessment of the vessel, it was determined the passengers included 20 Cuban migrants and three suspected smugglers.

The three suspected smugglers were later transferred to U.S. Border Patrol officers.

One Cuban migrant is awaiting disposition.

The go-fast vessel is scheduled to be transfered to U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents.

Once aboard Coast Guard cutters, all migrants are provided with food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.

The Drummond is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Miami.

The Nantucket is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Knight Island is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Fla.

 

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