A suspected migrant smuggling boat capsized off South Florida, leading to five people presumed dead after a search and rescue mission. The 25-foot vessel, which departed from Bimini, Bahamas, was carrying nine individuals when it capsized about 29 miles off St. Lucie Inlet. Four passengers were rescued by the Coast Guard, while search efforts for the missing were suspended after covering over 1,240 miles. The Coast Guard warned about the dangers of such unlawful journeys exploited by smugglers, emphasizing the need for safer avenues for migrants.
Smugglers routinely exploit vulnerable aliens for profit while putting their lives at risk aboard overloaded and unseaworthy vessels.
The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and never taken lightly, reflecting the Coast Guard's commitment to saving lives.
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