DATE: June 14, 2009 13:13:07 EST

News Release Date:
June 14, 2009

Contact:
Petty Officer Barry Bena
(305) 415-6683

Coast Guard interdicts, repatriates 14 Cuban migrants

MIAMI -- The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Cormorant repatriated 14 Cuban migrants Sunday to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba. The migrants were interdicted during two separate cases.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Cypress located a rustic vessel about 47 miles southeast of Key West, Fla., Tuesday. Once alongside the rustic vessel the Cypress crew safely embarked six Cuban migrants.

A Coast Guard Station Key West Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement boatcrew located a go-fast vessel approximately 70 miles south of Dry Tortugas, Fla., Thursday. Once on scene with the vessel, the crew used warning shots and disabling fire to bring the vessel to a halt after the go-fast operator failed to stop as ordered. The nine Cuban migrants aboard were transferred to the cutter Cormorant and the suspected smuggler was transferred to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials in Key West.

One migrant is pending final disposition.

"The Coast Guard continues to aggressively enforce U.S. policy with regard to illegal migration," said Lt. Eric Pare, a Seventh Coast Guard District command duty officer. "Attempting to smuggle undocumented migrants by sea is not only illegal but also dangerous."

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

The Cutter Cormorant is an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Fort Pierce, Fla.
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http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/586/281359