28 Cuban migrants on cruise

28 Cuban migrants on cruise

By Cliodhna McGowan, cliodhna@cfp.ky
Thursday 16th March, 2006 Posted: 20:52 CIT (01:52 +1 GMT)

May disembark in Cozumel

Twenty eight Cuban migrants who entered Cayman waters aboard a Carnival
cruise ship early yesterday morning remained on board while other
passengers disembarked.

They were to travel on to Cozumel today where they may be disembarked,
according to Carnival Cruise Lines.

Although no response had been given to the Caymanian Compass from the
Cayman Islands Immigration Department by press time, it is believed the
Cubans were not permitted by officials to disembark the ship in George Town.

A statement from Carnival Cruise Lines yesterday said that on Wednesday,
15 March the Carnival Conquest picked up 28 Cuban rafters off the coast
of Jamaica during a seven–day cruise that departed Galveston, Texas, on
Sunday 12 March

“As per standard company protocol, the appropriate authorities were
notified,” it said.

The 28 individuals were yesterday on board the ship being provided with
food and medical treatment, the statement noted.

“The individuals may be disembarked in Cozumel when the Conquest docks
there tomorrow, however, that has yet to be determined,” said the statement.

The mega–liner arrives back in Galveston, Texas, on Sunday.

Earlier this month Mexican authorities said they were stepping up
security at detention centres for illegal Cuban migrants after an
uprising. Cubans are held at dilapidated detention centres in Mexico
while seeking political asylum

http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=1011812