A picture of the capsized boat shared by the U.S. Coast Guard showed the vessel partially submerged in the open ocean.
PORT SAINT LUCIE, Florida — The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for five missing people from a suspected failed smuggling venture, Sunday, approximately 29 miles off St. Lucie Inlet pending the development of new information.
Coast Guard crews rescued four people and searched by air and sea for approximately seven hours, covering more than 1,240 square miles.
The four people were rescued by an Air Station Miami aircrew and transported to local emergency medical services at Stuart Airport. After the rescue, a survivor reported the vessel departed Bimini with 9 people on Friday, and it capsized early Saturday morning.
On Sunday, A good Samaritan reported an overturned 25-foot vessel with four people clinging to it Coast Guard Sector Miami command center watchstanders.
“The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and never taken lightly,” said Chief Warrant Officer Edgardo Insignares, a Coast Guard Sector Miami search and rescue mission coordinator.
“Smugglers routinely exploit vulnerable aliens for profit while putting their lives at risk aboard overloaded and unseaworthy vessels. These dangerous and illegal voyages must not be attempted. Safe, legal and orderly migration saves lives. Don’t take to the sea.”
Homeland Security Investigations Ft. Pierce office is now investigating this case.
Anyone with information regarding this failed smuggling venture is urged to call the HSI tip line at 866-DHS-2423 (866-347-2423) or complete the online tip form. Callers may remain anonymous.
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