First Cuban migrants since Castro’s death

MIAMI: Thirteen Cuban migrants who arrived early yesterday in the Florida Keys aboard a home-made boat are the first to land on US soil since Fidel Castro died, US authorities said, adding they’re on alert amid an ongoing surge in sea crossings.

The migrants were all in good health after arriving on Big Pine Key, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Becky Herrin said.

The 10 men and three women are to be processed and released to an organisation that helps refugees resettle in the US, according to Norma Morfa, a US Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman.