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Four sailors were rescued and transported in stable condition after their 28-foot vessel capsized approximately 30 miles north of Key West.
The incident occurred this Wednesday, authorities reported. After the rescue, the survivors were safely handed over to emergency medical services personnel who were waiting for them at Key West International Airport.
The operation involved a crew from an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Station in Miami and a crew from an MH-60S Marlin helicopter from the Naval Air Station in Key West.
A crew from the HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft at the Miami Air Station diverted from a routine patrol and successfully located the navigators after hearing a Marine Urgent Information Transmission issued by the watchers at the Key West Sector.
According to the report, one of the sailors managed to grab a portable radio and requested help via Channel 16 before the boat capsized.
After the capsizing, the vessel started to emit smoke, and the crew put on their life jackets and stayed together in the water. The reported conditions included waves ranging from 60 to 120 cm and winds of 29 km/h.
Upon reaching the area, the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter deployed a rescue swimmer, who assisted in bringing three of the survivors out of the water.
Subsequently, the MH-60S Marlin helicopter arrived at the location and hoisted the Coast Guard rescue swimmer along with the fourth survivor.
Third-class petty officer Tabitha Pearigen, a guard in the Key West Sector, highlighted the collaborative work with the Navy and emphasized the importance of basic safety measures.
"The sailors did many things right, such as wearing life jackets and staying in touch," he said, and recommended checking the weather forecast, bringing the proper equipment, and having a means to call for help before setting sail.
At the end of December, the Coast Guard confirmed the interception of a group of people 64 kilometers south of Cuba.
The USCG reported on its official account on the social media platform X that a maritime interdiction operation had concluded with the detention of six Cuban migrants attempting to leave the island.
The return to Cuba was carried out by the crew of the cutter William Trump, a vessel frequently used for patrols in the Caribbean.
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