Three Cuban people stranded on the uninhabited Bahamas island were rescued by the US Coast Guards after almost five weeks. The Trio survived on a diet made of coconuts.
Three Cuban nationals were found on Anguilla Cay, part of the Cay Sal Banks, in the Bahamas after officials say they were stranded for 33 days.
The woman and two men were able to signal an aircraft that departed from the Coast Guard airbase in Opa-Locka, Florida.
#UPDATE @USCG rescued the 3 Cuban nationals stranded on Anguilla Cay. A helicopter crew transferred the 2 men & 1 woman to Lower Keys Medical Center with no reported injuries. More details to follow.#D7 #USCG #Ready #Relevant #Responsive pic.twitter.com/4kX5WJJhs8
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) February 9, 2021
“The [pilot] noticed some unusual flags down there, some different colors, so they noticed some orange. They went back around to check it out, and they noticed three people signaling them,” said Lt. Justin Dougherty with the Coast Guard.
According to the survivors their boats were run down by rough waters and they swam to the nearby island. They survived 33 days on that island by eating coconuts, meat from conch shells, and rats.
“It was incredible. I don’t know how they did it. I’m amazed that they were in such good shape when we saw them,” Dougherty said.
Remarkably, officials say there were no serious injuries, and all three were in good spirits.
“They were very, very clear and articulate about what was going on, so I was amazed they were in as good a shape as they were,” Dougherty said.
