On December 31, the containership Methoni saved 19 Cuban migrants 30 nm to the southeast of Alligator Reef Lighthouse, near Islamorada, Florida.
More specifically, the crew of the Methoni contacted US Coast Guard Sector Key West to report that they had launched their lifeboat to rescue a group of people in distress. The crew took 19 survivors on board.
According to the survivors, their raft flipped over, throwing them into the water. One person needed medical treatment, and Sector Key West called for an Air Station Miami helicopter crew to hoist and transfer the patient for emergency medical assistance.
We are extremely thankful for the Methoni crew for rescuing everyone from the water and notifying us quickly. It’s good to know these 19 people will get back safely to their families
said Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul Altieri, a duty watchstander at Sector Key West Command Center
The crew of the Coast Guard cutter Charles Sexton took aboard the remaining 18 survivors from the Methoni for processing and repatriation.
