Coast Guard: 8 rescued, 2 dead, search continues for people in water near Lower Keys

Crews from multiple rescue agencies responded to “multiple reports of people in the water” off the Lower Florida Keys, according to a tweet from the U.S. Coast Guard around 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Sources tell Local 10 News that at least one suspected migrant vessel overturned. A source says one search area is near the American Shoal Lighthouse off Sugarloaf Key, about 15 miles offshore.

The Coast Guard later tweeted just after 2:45 p.m. that crews rescued eight people and found two bodies in the water.

“We are still searching for an unconfirmed number of people in the water,” the agency said.

“Please be safe while transiting the area and give rescue crews space,” the Coast Guard tweeted.

Agencies responding included the Coast Guard, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

Officials have not yet said how many people, if any, were rescued or if anyone drowned.

This is a developing story. Stay with Local 10 News and Local10.com for updates.

#Update @mcsonews is not on scene.

— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) August 5, 2022Read More