Crew of MV Garden State rescues 27 Cuban migrants adrift at sea

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Crewmembers aboard the MV Garden State spot a makeshift raft overloaded with Cuban migrants drifting near the Dry Tortugas in July.

On the morning of July 16, MV Garden State responded to a distress call concerning Cuban migrants.

Fishing vessel Alexis M out of Key West called in a distressed vessel emergency to the United States Coast Guard regarding a vessel in their vicinity holding a large number of migrants. USCG barely heard them but could not make contact with the Alexis M. Third Mate Michael Hodges was on watch initially when the USCG called Garden State to relay information. Garden State responded to the USCG and assisted initially only to relay information.

Due to the lack of consistent communication with the Alexis M, Coast Guard responders asked Garden State to remain on station until USCG assets could be dispatched to scene. At around 0742, the Garden State was brought to maneuvering speed and maneuvered to safely get closer to vessel in distress. USCG requested Garden State get alongside the vessel in distress to assess the nature of distress and to make sure the vessel was not in immediate peril.

The makeshift raft, which appeared to be constructed of wood and Styrofoam, was weighed down by 27 passengers – 23 men and four women – and was falling apart.

With the aid of Steward Nicoll Quinones Rodriguez and AB Carlos Julian Colon, who served as interpreters, the crew was able to ask questions and relay information to the bridge to relay to the USCG. The migrants said it had been three days since their motor stopped working and they were without food or water. They had been propelling themselves through the ocean with six wooden paddles for days.

The migrants also told the crew they were traveling from Cuba and the makeshift vessel had the letters “MOICE” spray painted on the front of the boat.

Garden State relayed that information to USCG Sector Key West and spoke to the duty chief. It would take three or four hours for the USCG responded to get assets to the scene and the USCG asked the Garden State to provide assistance.

After a couple of passes, we were able to get close enough to pass the distressed boat a line and hold them alongside the Garden State. Chief Mate Shamus McDaniel led the deck department to bring the boat safely alongside.

We noticed the vessel was slowly falling apart, as it was made of Styrofoam blocks. Due to the vessel starting to fall apart, I ordered the accommodation ladder made ready should the situation get worse.

Luckily, once alongside, and lee made, the makeshift vessel stabilized and stopped falling apart.

At approximately 0906, the migrant vessel was carefully tied alongside by Garden State‘s crew and lee was made to best protect the migrant craft.

Water, hydration packets, bananas and strawberries were shared with the migrants, as well as some cool rags. They were instructed to drink water slowly. There was one migrant that appeared to pass out from dehydration/heat exhaustion. This was relayed to USCG, but his breathing/airway were good, and it was decided safest to continue to keep them safely alongside until USCG arrived.

USCG arrived on scene around 1024, followed by United States Customs and Border Protection agents about 30 minutes later. The migrants were transferred to USCG small boats and taken from the area. The Garden State was dismissed and continued on its voyage at 1112.

The Garden State crew did a wonderful job working together to help the 27 migrants, who may have drifted for an unknown amount of time in the open ocean on a deteriorating raft without food or water if not for the assistance of the Garden State. All departments all had a big hand in getting these people to safety. Well done by all.

Captain Chris Menezes

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27 Cuban migrants were rescued at sea by the MV Garden State after their makeshift boat lost power. The tanker provided water and food for the distressed migrants.

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The MV Garden State pulls along side an incapacitated raft filled with Cuban migrants to provide aid.

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The United States Coast Guard arrive to take over rescue operations of a boat filled with Cuban migrants from the MV Garden State.

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American Maritime Officers members aboard the MV Garden State here in July included Captain Christopher Menezes, Chief Mate Shamus McDaniel, Second Mate Fintan Moore III, Third mates Michael Hodges and Nicholas Panor, Chief Engineer Brian Kelly, First Assistant Engineer Alexander Calderwood, Second A.E. Harold Borja Vargas, and Third A.E. Caroline Opager.