339 Haitians Rescued at Sea, Returned Home
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MIAMI — Jammed on a “grossly overloaded” 65-foot boat that was taking on water, 339 Haitians were rescued by the Coast Guard 110 miles southeast of Miami, a spokesman said today.
The Coast Guard has never found more Haitians trying to leave their impoverished homeland for the United States in one boat, Lt. Cmdr. Jim Simpson said.
A 65-foot boat is fitted for a crew of about 10, he said.
The Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast spotted the Haitians on the converted shrimp boat 26 miles northwest of Great Inagua Monday evening, Simpson said.
“The boat was seriously overloaded and was taking on water,” he said.
The Coast Guard transferred all 339 Haitians to the Steadfast and headed for Port-au-Prince to return them. It was expected to arrive tonight, Simpson said.
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