Boat People
LPG vessel en route Venezuela to US. 16 miles off Cayman Brac a small boat 6 persons was sighted. No distress signals, no signs of distress. Vessel drew alongside and crew asked if they could come on board ‘to be rescued’. Captain asked what nature of distress was and they replied political asylum. Contacted Management Company and gave crew food water tobacco and fuel. Contacted nearest marine rescue co-ordination centre who advised Captain that if there is no distress, just stand by. USCG sent aerial reconnaissance and advised Captain that vessel was in international waters and small craft was not in danger or distress and if he picked up the crew, he would not be allowed to enter US waters. Company rep then found that this vessel had previously been turned away from Cayman Islands several days previously and that refugees were Cuban nationals who wanted to leave. Dilemma for Captain but eventually he was told by MRCC that they would ensure vessel was monitored and he was able to proceed.
