Coast Guard talks to migrants picked up by cruises
Apr 13, 2013, 9:35 PM
MIAMI (AP) – The U.S. Coast Guard is interviewing migrant rafters rescued by two cruise ships off the Florida Keys.
Petty Officer Mark Barney says Coast Guard officials will decide whether to send them back to their country of origin or turn them over to U.S. authorities.
The Carnival Conquest says it picked up 13 Cuban nationals about 40 miles from Key West on Friday. The Disney Wonder picked up eight people but their nationality was not immediately known.
Generally, if a Cuban national does not reach U.S. shores, they are sent back to their homeland.
Crews on both cruise ships provided their new passengers with food, water and medical attention.
No injuries were reported.
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