TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The U.S. Coast Guard said Friday that it is searching for survivors after two people were found dead and 8 others were rescued off the coast of the Florida Keys.
The USCG first said that its crews along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and other organizations investigated reports of people in the waters around the Lower Keys.
After searching the waters, they found eight stranded people and two bodies. However, it not known where these people came from as of this report.
The Coast Guard said there were 15 people in the water. Five are still missing.
Officials said that “a rustic vessel on an illegal voyage to the United States capsized with 15 people aboard.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives off the Lower Keys,” said Rear Adm. Brendan McPherson, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District. “Our search continues for others that may have survived this tragic incident. This situation highlights the risks these migrants face as they attempt to enter the United States illegally by sea. The Florida Straits and its approaches can be hazardous for even the best trained and equipped mariners. For people illegally migrating aboard unseaworthy or overloaded boats and homemade rafts, who lack basic lifesaving equipment like life jackets, those risks can often prove deadly.”
This is a developing news situation. Check back for updates.