Coast Guard is searching for five people in the water after ‘rustic vessel’ capsizes in Florida Keys

Miami, Florida – After a boat capsized approximately 14 miles south of Sugarloaf Key, the Coast Guard is searching for five people in the water.

According to officials, good Samaritans and partner agency crews rescued 8 people. Six were transferred to emergency medical services for medical evaluation. Two were rescued in good health. Two bodies were pulled from the water by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

At approximately 10 a.m., Friday, the Coast Guard received reports of people in the water. “It was determined a rustic vessel on an illegal voyage to the United States capsized with 15 people aboard,” officials said.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives off the Lower Keys,” said Rear Adm. Brendan McPherson, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District.

“Our search continues for others that may have survived this tragic incident. This situation highlights the risks these migrants face as they attempt to enter the United States illegally by sea.”

“The Florida Straits and its approaches can be hazardous for even the best trained and equipped mariners. For people illegally migrating aboard unseaworthy or overloaded boats and homemade rafts, who lack basic lifesaving equipment like life jackets, those risks can often prove deadly.”