45 people repatriated to Cuba

MIAMI – The US Coast Guard repatriated 45 Cubans to their country on Sunday.

The Cubans were found in four separate interdictions off the Florida Keys last week.

A vessel was found about 12 miles south of Boot Key around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Three vessels were then located between 17 and 22 miles south of Big Pine Key within about 15 minutes on Friday.

“The possibility of being stopped by Coast Guard crews while migrating illegally through the Caribbean Sea is high,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Cobb, Coast Guard Seventh District. “No one should risk their lives on unsafe land ships in unpredictable seas.”

Coast Guard crews have banned 2,464 Cubans since October 1 last year, according to official figures.