Exiles Pay Tribute to Fallen Cubans

A small flotilla of Cuban exiles sailed near the communist-controlled island to memorialize dozens who drowned trying to flee the country after their vessels were rammed by Cuban boats. Pilots also dropped smoke markers in tribute. Four boats organized by the exile group Democracy Movement brought 41 floating crosses to be dropped in the water along with roses and carnations at a site near Cuba’s 12-mile territorial limit, a memorial to 41 Cubans who died four years ago trying to escape President Fidel Castro’s rule. About eight hours after departing Key West, the flotilla of about 100 people stopped for the memorial service before heading back without incident, the U.S. Coast Guard said.