DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - Half a dozen Cuban migrants traveling on a small boat, including a pregnant woman, made it to shore in South Florida, Monday night, and they spoke with 7News about their journey.
Four men and two women landed off Lauderdale-by-the-Sea after spending nine days out at sea on a makeshift sailboat called the “Barack Obama.” The migrants spent the last two days at sea without any food and limited drinking water.
Upon arrival, the expecting mother was rushed to an area hospital to be checked out. The others spent some time on the beach to rejoice and interact with locals and tourists who wished them well.
“It was just amazing what people have endured just to come to our country,” said beachgoer Dre Audin.
A 7News viewer sent in cellphone video that captured the moment the six migrants ran on shore and kissed the sand. “It shows you that people still love America,” Audin said.
Maria Elena, one of the women on board, spoke to 7News. She, her husband and a group of friends confirmed they came from Cuba. “Today, we’re very happy. We’re feeling very, very happy that they are in the country of their dreams,” she said through a translator.
The migrants’ boat was made of sheet metal and a handmade sail. “It took nine days. It was very stormy, and we put the boat together,” said Maria Elena.
“They tried twice before and they were stopped at Nassau,” said beachgoer Beatriz Audin. “Then they went back to Cuba. They are very happy they are in the land of freedom.”
One visitor from North Carolina said he could only imagine their hardships. “It’s probably hard down there, ’cause I heard they were from Cuba,” said Aden Salazar. “It’s probably hard down there, so they just want a better life down here.”
Their new life started with burgers, baseball caps and open arms. “Can you imagine being on a boat like that for nine days? God bless them, and welcome to America,” Audin said.
A bystander gave one migrant a white “Make America Great Again” hat, but the migrant did not appear to know the phrase printed on the cap is a reference to the Donald Trump campaign.
When asked why they christened the sailboat with the name of the commander in chief, Maria Elensa replied, “He’s the one who is guiding us, who is motivating us. He’s the one who is opening the relationship with Cuba.”
The Cuban migrants spoke with Border Patrol, were processed and allowed to stay in the United States. The group was later brought to two different refugee facilities in Doral where they were provided with clothes, shoes and a place to stay in the United States.
U.S. Coast Guard officials said they did receive a report about a boat at around 7:30 p.m., Monday, but once they got their resources together, the vessel had reached the beach.
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