The Brilliance of the Seas cruise ship crew recently came to the rescue of 11 Cuban rafters during their voyage towards Puerto Progreso, in the Yucatán state. The rafters were subsequently handed over to the local authorities.
Randle Roper, CEO of a holiday company, described the migrants as "exhausted and malnourished." They were saved after their raft started taking on water, leaving them without food or water for several days.
The captain of the cruise ship reported the rescue to the United States Coast Guard. However, due to the ship's close proximity to the island, it was decided to disembark the rescued individuals at their next stop.
"The Coast Guard was informed about the rescue of the 11 Cuban immigrants by the Brilliance of the Seas cruise ship," confirmed Third Class Petty Officer Anthony Randisi. The raft was spotted during the cruise ship's journey from the coast of Cuba to Mexico.
Originally, the ship's log had charted its arrival at Puerto Progreso in Yucatán. However, the route was changed to accommodate the rescue of the rafters. The ship then headed to the island of Cozumel, specifically to the port of Punta Langosta. This was their last stop before ending their trip at the port of Nola, in New Orleans, scheduled for March 8.
The passengers on the cruise ship provided humanitarian support to the rescued individuals. They offered them clothing and raised money to assist them.
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