South Florida

Large Group of Migrants Found on Crowded Boat Off South Florida

The boat was spotted near Black Point Marina in Homestead

NBC Universal, Inc.

Authorities were working to rescue a large group of migrants who were found crowded on a boat that became grounded in waters off South Florida Thursday.

The sailboat was spotted near Black Point Marina in Homestead, not far from Boca Chita.

Watch NBC6 free wherever you are

Watch button  WATCH HERE

Footage showed U.S. Coast Guard and Miami-Dade Police boats surrounding the vessel, which had an estimated 100-200 people on board.

Coast Guard crewmembers were seen tossing life preservers to the boaters.

Get local news you need to know to start your day with NBC 6's News Headlines newsletter.

Newsletter button  SIGN UP

Officials said they were unsure of the exact number of people on the boat because they couldn't see below the decks.

Crews were working to safely remove all on board, calling the vessel "overloaded and unsafe."

Officials haven't said where the boat originated from. No other information was immediately known.

Check back with NBC 6 for updates.

Contact Us