MIAMI _ The Coast Guard captured nine Cuban migrants about 25 miles southeast of Tavernier Creek on Thursday.
Eight of them were repatriated to Cuba on Saturday. One was turned over to Customs and Border Protection after being brought on shore for more advanced medical care, according to the Coast Guard's 7th District Southeast.
According to the Coast Guard, Sector Key West watchstanders got a notification alerting them to a migrant vessel carrying nine people in waters in the Florida Keys.
A Coast Guard Station Islamorada 45-foot response boat and crew diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton crew to interdict the migrant's boat.
About 52 Cuban migrants have tried to illegally enter the U.S. by sea since Oct. 1, 2019.
From Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019, 454 Cuban migrants tried the same tactic. These numbers represent the total number of at-sea interdictions, landings and disruptions in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean and Atlantic, the Coast Guard said.
When migrants are picked up on the water and put aboard a Coast Guard cutter they get food, water, shelter and basic medical attention, said the Coast Guard.
