MSNBC. August 6, 2000
KEY WEST, Fla., Aug. 6 - Twenty Cuban nationals reached U.S. shore Saturday morning when the boat carrying them landed just 30 miles west of Key West in Marquesas Keys. The nine men, six women and five children arrived off the Florida Keys aboard a 70-foot fishing vessel.
Four Cuban fishermen originally claimed the 20 Cubans had hijacked their boat. Because of the allegations, the FBI became involved in the investigation. However, officials now say there was no hijacking in relation to this case.
After interviewing the Cubans on the hijacking accusations, the Coast Guard transported them to Key West. They will likely be taken to Krome Detention Center for processing.
The four fishermen, however, remained on the boat in the Keys and now say they want to be returned to Cuba. The Coast Guard says it will probably take a few days before their request can be granted.
By law, most Cubans that reach U.S. soil are allowed to apply for political asylum. However, if the hijacking accusations had been justified, the migrants would have committed a crime and been repatriated. | 