Survivors: Some migrants missing after 1 found dead on boat spotted off Florida Keys

Migrant boat off Sugarloaf Key. (U.S. Coast Guard)

MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – The body of a man was removed from a capsized boat late Thursday night that was found near Sugarloaf Key, authorities confirmed on Friday.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said CBP agents were assisted by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in rescuing six migrants from a rustic vessel that capsized near Sugarloaf Key.

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Officials said the survivors identified themselves as Cuban nationals.

All six were transported to the Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West to be evaluated and treated for any injuries or ailments.

Officials said the deceased man’s body was removed from the boat by deputies and was taken to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.

The surviving migrants told authorities that there were more people with them that are now missing.

“An active search and rescue is ongoing and the case remains under investigation,” CBP spokesman Jeffrey Quiñones said in an email to Local 10 News.


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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

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