Immigration
Hurricane Ian sinks Cuban migrant boat near Florida, more than 20 missing
The Coast Guard is continuing its efforts to find the missing migrants, despite the dangerous weather conditions brought about by Hurricane Ian
September 29, 2022 4:05am
Updated: September 29, 2022 4:05am
U.S. Border Patrol announced on Wednesday that more than 20 people were missing after Hurricane Ian caused a boat carrying Cuban migrants to sink off the coast of Florida.
Border Patrol agents responded to a migrant landing in Stock, Island, Florida, according to officials. Four migrants swam to shore after their boat sank “due to inclement weather,” reported Chief Patrol Agent Walter Slosar. The migrants were also hospitalized.
#Breaking @USCG crews rescued 3 people in the water about 2 miles south of Boca Chica. They were brought to the local hospital for symptoms of exhaustion and dehydration. Air crews are still searching. #SAR #DontTakeToTheSea
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 28, 2022
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson told NBC News that the four "individuals are receiving care and treatment" and their cases will be investigated.
The U.S. Coast Guard soon began a search-and-rescue operation for 23 missing people. The agency later said that three of them were rescued two miles south of Boca Chica and were taken to a hospital with symptoms of exhaustion and dehydration.
#Breaking @USCG crews rescued 3 people in the water about 2 miles south of Boca Chica. They were brought to the local hospital for symptoms of exhaustion and dehydration. Air crews are still searching. #SAR #DontTakeToTheSea
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 28, 2022
The Coast Guard is continuing its efforts to find the missing migrants, despite the dangerous weather conditions brought about by Hurricane Ian.
Hurricane Ian is one of the most powerful storms to have hit the U.S. mainland, hitting Florida with high winds and rains.
More than two million homes were left without power as the storm plowed through southwest Florida on Wednesday afternoon with 150 mpg winds and a storm surge of up to 18 feet.
The storm, which is estimated to be 140 miles wide, was downgraded from a category 4 storm to a category 1 storm as it moved northeast.
