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Press Release | March 21, 2023

Coast Guard searching for missing person, rescues 28 off Key West

To download Cuban interdiction process video, click this link. 

All Coast Guard Southeast imagery can be found on Dvids, here.  

All Coast Guard migration imagery can be found on Dvids, here

Family members in the United States inquiring about possible family members interdicted at sea, please contact your local federal U.S. representative.  

Para personas que residen en los EE.UU. buscando información sobre un familiar posiblemente interceptado por la Guardia Costera, por favor comuníquese con la oficina de su congresista o representante del Senado, local. 

MIAMI — Coast Guard Station Key West rescue crews are searching for a missing person in the water, Tuesday, about 6 miles south of Key West.

The rescue crew saved 18 people who were in the water and another 10 from a migrant vessel.

Two people were medevaced to a higher level of care.

A good Samaritan notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of people in the water from a migrant vessel, Monday, at approximately 8:40 a.m.

Coast Guard air and surface crews searched throughout the night and are scheduled to continue searching throughout the day for the missing person.

“Coast Guard crews will continue to search for this person until all efforts are exhausted,” said Capt. Jason Ingram, commander, Sector Key West. “Taking to the sea in dangerous weather and unseaworthy vessels greatly increases the risk for loss of life. Don’t take to the sea. Use safe and legal means of immigrating to the U.S.”

The weather on scene at the time of the incident was 5-foot seas and 20-knot winds.

The nationality of the people isn’t known at this time.

If anyone has any information regarding this person, please contact Sector Key West watchstanders at 305-292-8727.