Monday, July 4, 2011

Cuban rafters rescued by cruise ship remain in Coast Guard custody

Posted on Sunday, 07.03.11

Cuban rafters rescued by cruise ship remain in Coast Guard custody
By Philippe Buteau
Sun Sentinel

Contrary to earlier reports, the seven Cuban rafters rescued by a cruise
ship on Friday have not been sent back to Cuba, a U.S. Coast Guard
spokeswoman said on Sunday.

The Cuban rafters remain in Coast Guard custody, according to Sabrina
Elgammal, the Coast Guard spokeswoman.

Citing an ongoing investigation, she said she was unable to provide
additional information, such as where they are being held.

As the cruise ship Oasis of the Seas made its way back to Port
Everglades on Friday, someone aboard spotted a small raft that was
taking on water. Cruise ship employees brought the seven rafters,
including six men and one woman, to safety.

They were in good condition when they were transferred to Coast Guard
custody, Elgammal said.

The so-called "wet foot, dry foot" US government policy requires that
Cubans make it to dry land before being considered for asylum.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/03/2297522/cuban-rafters-rescued-by-cruise.html

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