Homeland Security warns South Florida boaters planning to join the flotilla to Cuba – CBS Miami

MIAMI (CBSMiami / AP) – The US Department of Homeland Security has warned boaters from South Florida planning to join a flotilla to Cuba.

“It is illegal for boaters to travel to Cuba without a permit,” said a statement published on Thursday.

CONTINUE READING: Official ribbon cutting for new state-of-the-art training facility for Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens

The DHS said in the advisory that any boater intending to enter Cuban territorial waters must obtain permission from the US Coast Guard. Violators risk fines of $ 25,000 per day and 10 years in prison, the report said.

People who illegally import foreigners into the United States risk fines of up to $ 250,000 per day and five years in prison, the department said.

The trip planned for Monday has been postponed to Thursday.

According to Osdany Veloz, a boater organizer, the trip will be to international waters near the island, but not Cuban waters, to let islanders know they have supporters in South Florida.

CONTINUE READING: High-powered rifles that were used to shoot the upscale Fort Lauderdale residential complex

Organizers said they will set sail from South Florida when 100 boaters show up.

“The purpose is to stay at the border, not to cross, to stay in international waters and just let the Cuban people know that we are also fighting for their freedom so that they can be a free country once and for all”, said Jorge Lopez. who plans to make the trip.

Thousands of Cubans took to the streets on Sunday July 11 to protest restricted access to COVID-19 vaccines and staple foods. The country is going through the worst economic crisis in decades.

The protests in the island state have sparked a surge of support in Florida, home to the country’s largest community of Cuban exiles. Crowds of people in Miami, Orlando, and the Tampa area have gathered in support, sometimes closing major thoroughfares.

MORE NEWS: Emilio Estefan lends his voice to the Cuban protests and releases the music video “Libertad”

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

The post Homeland Security warns South Florida boaters planning to join the flotilla to Cuba - CBS Miami first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/homeland-security-warns-south-florida-boaters-planning-to-join-the-flotilla-to-cuba-cbs-miami/