Migrant rafters rescued by 2 cruise ships

[April 13, 2013]  MIAMI (AP) -- Two cruise ships have rescued migrant rafters off the Florida Keys.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Mark Barney said that the Disney Wonder and the Carnival Conquest both spotted "rustic vessels" in separate incidents Friday afternoon.

According to a Carnival statement, the Conquest picked up 13 Cuban nationals about 40 miles from Key West. The ship was expected to rendezvous with a Coast Guard cutter near Key West to transfer them.

A Disney statement says the Wonder picked up eight people about 45 miles from Key West, but their nationality wasn't immediately known. The company was working with the Coast Guard to determine its next steps.

Crews on both ships provided their new passengers with food, water and medical attention. No injuries or deaths were reported.

It wasn't immediately known what would be done with the migrants, but Barney said undocumented, non-U.S. citizens heading toward American waters are usually repatriated to their home countries.

[Associated Press]

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