Coast Guard Suspends Search For 10 Cuban Migrants Missing Off Florida

The Coast Guard called off the search for 10 Cuban Migrants Missing who were on a boat from Cuba that capsized off the coast of Florida on Saturday.

After the boat overturned 16 miles southwest of Key West, eight individuals were rescued. Two persons have been confirmed killed, and ten more have gone missing.

After 123 hours of searching, the Coast Guard called off the search, which covered a region the size of New Hampshire. The Navy, Air Force, Customs and Border Protection, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission all aided in the operation.

“The Coast Guard, partner Department of Defense, and local agency teams have been searching for the missing ten persons for the past three days,” said Capt. Adam Chamie, commander of Sector Key West, in a statement Sunday.

“Suspending a search is usually a tough decision that must be taken after a thorough evaluation of all the circumstances. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones who have been affected by this catastrophe “Chamie said.

The eight people recovered told the Coast Guard that they departed Puerto de Mariel, Cuba, on May 23 and capsized on Wednesday evening.

The migrants were discovered during a regular sweep by a Coast Guard unit on Thursday afternoon.