Two people died and 10 others were missing after the sinking of a Cuban migrant boat near the Florida Keys, authorities said.
The Coast Guard went to a location several miles off the coast of Key West around 1 p.m. Thursday when a routine patrol spotted people in the water. Crews rescued eight people and removed two bodies from the water, said Warrant Officer José Hernández.
Two Coast Guard schooners and several smaller vessels continued to search for the missing Thursday night. The wrecked boat was not found.
Survivors reported that they left the Port of Mariel, Cuba on Sunday, and that their boat was wrecked Wednesday night, the Coast Guard said in a statement. The survivors received food, water and medical attention on a coast guard vessel, according to authorities.
“We will continue to search for the missing overnight and if any sailors see or hear anything, give them help if possible and call the Coast Guard,” said Key West command center supervisor Seth Haynes.
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