The military said Thursday that it was calling off a search off us-regions‘s Atlantic coast for dozens of boat passengers who were still missing-persons” target=”_blank”>missing<.
FLORIDA HUMAN SMUGGLING SUSPECT RELEASED WITHOUT BOND AFTER MIGRANTS FOUND DEAD IN CANADA
Burdian said that while the Coast Guard will cease actively searching, the case was not over and the investigation would be turned over to the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jo-Ann Burdian, foreground, speaks along with Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge in Miami Anthony Salisbury, rear, during a news conference, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Coast Guard Sector Miami in Miami Beach, Florida.
(Associated Press)
Anthony Salisbury, Homeland Security Investigations Miami special agent in charge, urged the public to send tips and help “bring criminals who prey on and victimize the vulnerable migrant community to justice.”
“The goal of this investigation is to identify, arrest and prosecute any criminal or criminal organization that organized, facilitated or profited from this doomed venture,” Salisbury said at a news conference Thursday.
Coast Guard Cutter Ibis’ crew searching for people missing from a capsized boat off the coast of Florida, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.
(U.S. Coast Guard via AP)
The capsized boat was caught in the Gulf Stream, a treacherous current that runs around the tip of Florida and flows north up the coast.
The National Weather Service warned Thursday that “dangerous marine conditions” would start developing in the Gulf Stream on Friday night, with waves up to 10 feet and potential gale force winds.
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Earlier this month, the Coast Guard rescued 176 Haitians from a 60-foot wooden sailing vessel as it approached the Florida Keys.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
