The Coast Guard repatriated 13 migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, Wednesday.
Coast Guard Sector Key West command center watchstanders received a report of suspected migrants aboard an unseaworthy vessel May 23, 2013. Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Valiant, whose crew arrived on scene and embarked 13 Cuban migrants. The migrants were later transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Kodiak Island for repatriation.
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.
The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter, homeported in Jacksonville, Fla.
The Coast Guard Cutter Kodiak Island is a 110-foot patrol boat, homeported in Key West, Fla.
Kodiak Island and other Island-class patrol boats are being replaced by 58 new, Sentinel-class fast response cutters. The FRC is be capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots and can operate in seas up to 18-feet. The speed and stability of the FRC delivers tremendous lifesaving, law enforcement and homeland security capabilities in the same package.
