2 dead, 10 missing after boat capsizes near Florida Keys
Two people are dead and 10 others are missing after a boat traveling from Cuba overturned near the Florida Keys, officials said Thursday.
The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a location several miles off Key West about 1 p.m. Thursday after crews on routine patrol spotted multiple people in the water, according to the agency. Crews rescued eight people and pulled two bodies from the water, Petty Officer Jose Hernandez said.
Two Coast Guard cutters and several small boats continued to search the area Thursday evening for the missing passengers, Hernandez said. There was no immediate sign of the capsized boat.
The survivors said that they had left Puerto de Mariel, Cuba, on Sunday and capsized Wednesday evening, the Coast Guard said in a statement. The survivors were transferred to a Coast Guard vessel to receive food, water and medical attention, according to officials.
15 people were taken into custody with 10 rescued by lifeguards; boat eventually came into shore near Children’s Pool
“We will continue to search through the night for those reported missing and, if any mariners see or hear anything, to render assistance if possible and contact the Coast Guard,” said Key West command center supervisor Senior Chief Seth Haynes.
Authorities didn’t immediately say what type of boat the people had been traveling in.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
