The U.S. Coast Guard has ceased its search for five individuals who remain missing after a boat capsized during what has been characterized as a "failed suspected smuggling venture" off Florida's Atlantic Coast. As the AP News reported, the incident, some 29 miles off St. Lucie Inlet, saw four survivors rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard crews on Sunday. They also located and retrieved the body of one deceased individual.
After the initial rescue operation, one of the survivors revealed that the vessel departed Bimini with nine people on Friday and capsized in the early hours of Saturday morning. The search, which spanned over 1,240 square miles, was called off after about seven hours of extensive efforts. According to Coast Guard officials, the rough journey undertaken by the migrants is a hazardous one often exploited by smugglers. Chief Warrant Officer Edgardo Insignares, acting as a Coast Guard Sector Miami search and rescue mission coordinator, stated, "The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and never taken lightly," in an interview reported by AP News. He added, "Smugglers routinely exploit vulnerable aliens for profit while putting their lives at risk aboard overloaded and unseaworthy vessels."
FOX 35 Orlando reported that Martin County Fire Rescue stated three rescued individuals had sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The rescue was set in motion by a good Samaritan who reported the capsized boat to authorities.
The U.S. Coast Guard has not revealed the identities of the rescued or those still deemed missing, urging anyone with pertinent information regarding this incident to come forward. They announced the ongoing search via their USCGSoutheast social media channel, signifying the gravity of the situation, which includes the tragic loss of at least one life and the uncertain fate of others.
#BREAKING @USCG crews rescued 4 people from a capsized vessel, Sun., approx. 29 miles off St. Lucie Inlet after a good Samaritan reported the incident. A person on board reported the vessel capsized Fri. and an additional 5 people are still missing. The search is ongoing. #SAR pic.twitter.com/R4dc16kyRZ
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 13, 2025
