On Monday, November 21, 2022, the US Coast Guard intercepted about 20 miles off Rodriguez Key, a small island off Key Largo, a sailboat overloaded with illegal immigrants in stormy seas.

Guards battled against 2-3m high waves and 40km/h winds throughout the day and into the night to tranship migrants and bring them to safety

After crews began their rescue efforts, the boat hit a sandbar on Monday evening near Whale Harbor in Islamorada, and was thrown into the choppy waters.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other officials pulled out 18 migrants who had fallen into rough seas and were trying to swim ashore, Miami Area Chief Patrol Officer Walter Slosar said.

Coast Guard spokeswoman Petty Officer Nicole Groll said rough seas and winds made the rescue difficult and grueling as crews worked more than 14 hours to save people after the boat was been reported to authorities, adding that there was "very rarely" safety equipment on migrant boats...

In total, nearly 200 Haitian migrants, including children, were saved after coming close to death...

S/ HaitiLibre