A navigator aboard a 100-foot supply vessel was urgently evacuated last Thursday by an aircrew from the U.S. Coast Guard after sustaining an injury to his arm while sailing approximately 70 miles (112 kilometers) southeast of Key West, near Marathon, Florida.
The operation, which involved the participation of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and an HC-144 type aerial patrol, was coordinated by the watchmen of the Seventh District of the Coast Guard, they reported on their X profile.
The injured person was lifted from the vessel and immediately transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he received specialized medical care.
“This case highlighted the complex coordination and teamwork that the Coast Guard employs to carry out dynamic missions”, explained Lieutenant Commander Josh Forteza, who led the rescue.
"We were able to arrive fully prepared to evacuate a critically ill patient thanks to the collaboration between air patrols, maritime surveillance, and hospital staff," she added.
The uncertainty regarding the identity of the injured person
Although the official statement has not revealed the identity or origin of the rescued man, the fact that he was found on a vessel more than 100 kilometers off the coast of Florida raises alarms among those closely following the maritime routes of the southern U.S., particularly those used by Cuban and Caribbean migrants.
The area where the rescue took place, between the Florida Keys and the most frequented routes by rafters, is frequently patrolled by the Coast Guard due to the irregular migration flow from the Caribbean, especially from Cuba.
Many Cubans know those waters as the setting for dreams and tragedies, where lives are risked in the pursuit of reaching U.S. territory.
A few days ago, the Coast Guard issued a strong warning to passengers and boat operators in the Florida Keys, reminding that sailing without the proper permits can result in civil penalties of up to $60,000, and even exceed $100,000 if a Port Captain's order is violated.
The alert was issued after intercepting an illegal charter operation near Anna Maria Island, where a 24-foot vessel was carrying nine people without certification or basic safety equipment, such as sufficient life vests.
"The public should know that if a captain cannot show their merchant marine credential, they should not board the ship.", warned Brian Knapp, head of investigations for the St. Petersburg Sector.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coast Guard Rescues and Cuban Migration
How was the injured man rescued near the Florida Keys?
The injured man was rescued by an aerial team from the U.S. Coast Guard. The team used an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter to evacuate him from a 100-foot supply vessel and transport him to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for specialized medical care.
Why is coordination important in Coast Guard maritime rescues?
Coordination is crucial in maritime rescues to ensure a rapid and effective response. Lieutenant Commander Josh Forteza emphasized that the rescue operation of the injured sailor highlighted the complex coordination and teamwork among aerial patrols, maritime surveillance, and hospital personnel.
What is the current situation of Cuban migration by sea to the U.S.?
Cuban migration by sea to the U.S. has significantly decreased due to strict immigration policies. Despite the economic crisis in Cuba, the policies implemented by the Trump administration have restricted access, and migrants intercepted at sea are repatriated or handed over to the authorities of other countries, such as the Bahamas.
What warnings has the Coast Guard issued regarding navigation in the Florida Keys?
The Coast Guard has warned about the penalties for sailing without proper permits in the Florida Keys. Fines can reach up to $60,000, and exceed $100,000 if a Port Captain's order is violated. The warning was issued after stopping an illegal charter operation without certification or basic safety equipment.
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