180 Haitians Rescued From Grounded Sailboat
A sailboat with more than 180 Haitians was found off Biscayne National Park, sending Coast Guard and National Park Service officials racing to rescue the hungry and dehydrated passengers before the boat capsized.
A passing boater alerted authorities about the 50-foot vessel, which had run aground near Elliott Key, 20 miles south of Miami. Rescuers were afraid it was so rickety and grossly overloaded that it would capsize, Coast Guard Petty Officer Gene Smith said.
No injuries were reported.
The Haitians were taken to a park service station and likely will be returned to Haiti, Smith said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
