The crew of a Liberian-flagged container ship rescued 19 Cubans off the Florida Keys on Friday.
The crew of the MV Methoni contacted Sector Key West Command Center watchstanders at 1:40 p.m. reporting that they launched their lifeboat to help retrieve people from the water approximately 33 miles southeast of Alligator Reef Lighthouse near Islamorada, Florida. One of the survivors stated that there were 19 people in their raft before it capsized.
All 19 people were rescuedOne person required a higher level of medical attention and a crew from Air Station Miami’s MH-65 Dolphin helicopter hoisted and transferred the person ashore to local emergency medical technicians for onward transport to Fisherman’s Hospital in Marathon.
The crew of the Cutter Charles Sexton transferred the remaining 18 people on board and are expected to return to their home country.
“We are very grateful to the crew of the Methoni for rescuing everyone from the water and for quickly alerting us,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul Altieri, watch stander on watch at Sector Key West Command Center. “As we close out the year 2021, it’s good to know that these 19 people will be back safe and sound with their families.”
