South Florida Boaters Gather Supplies, Hoping to Deliver Them to Cuba Amid Protests

Groups in South Florida are gathering supplies and hoping to bring them by boat to those in need in Cuba amid the recent protests.

Nearly 100 boaters gathered Monday at the 79^th Street Marina in North Bay Village, bringing supplies like water, food and medicine that they want to take to the island nation and its people if they are allowed in.

The planned Monday night voyage was delayed due to thunderstorms in the area, but the boaters were back at the marina Tuesday and hoping to leave on their journey.

"We are ready to go, we got a full tank," one boater said. "We want peace, we don't want a war, we want peace."

Those on the vessels told NBC 6 they planned on going to the border with Cuba and dropping off the supplies.  

One member of the group said the group did not have any weapons but would respond “with violence” if met with violence from Cuban authorities.

The United States Coast Guard posted a message on social media Monday from Rear Adm. Eric Jones warning these groups about the dangers of making the trip and asked them not to make that journey.

#ThisJustIn - Please read Rear Admiral Eric C. Jones, Commander, @USCG Seventh District & Director, DHS Joint Task Force-Southeast statement on recent Cuban events. pic.twitter.com/hrs5eErWGC

— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) July 12, 2021

""We echo the message of many U.S. leaders in support of the Cuban people...but also remind anyone considering a migrant voyage to not take to the sea," the message read in part. "The transit is dangerous and unforgiving."