Miami: 69 picked up in vessels at sea returned to Cuba

Miami: 69 picked up in vessels at sea returned to Cuba
July 20, 2007

A total of 69 Cubans who attempted a crossing to the United States but
were intercepted at sea were taken back to Cuba this week, the U.S.
Coast Guard announced in a news release.

The Coast Guard cutter Knight Island picked up a group of 17 immigrants
Saturday 40 miles south of Key West. On Monday, the Coast Guard cutter
Diligence interdicted a group of 22 immigrants 75 miles southwest of Key
West. The 39 Cubans were traveling on rustic vessels when they were caught.

On Tuesday, 30 Cuban immigrants were sent back, also to Bahia De
Cabanas, Cuba. They were from a total of four groups that had been
intercepted over the previous week.

Under the U.S. "wet foot, dry foot" policy, Cubans who make it to land
are generally allowed to remain in the country, while those picked up at
sea are sent back to the island.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/miami/sfl-flnb3bdig07204nbjul20,0,5361466.story?track=rss