A tugboat operator sailing off the coast of Miami called officials after seeing people holding onto debris in the water.
Local authorities immediately called in the area's fire and Coast Guard crews for backup, reported CBS Miami. According to the source, the original call cited three people clutching debris, but when help arrived it turned out to be nine people in severe condition. They were Cuban migrants attempting to make their way to Florida.
A helicopter pulled the people out of the water. After a medical evaluation, three of the rescued were immediately taken to local hospitals, noted Fox News Latino. According to CBS Miami, the people had been stranded in the water on a small raft for 10 days before it fell apart on Sunday, Oct. 26. Some of the original passengers are still missing.
According to CBS Miami, the Coast Guard crews acted swiftly and effectively to help the struggling people.
Lieutenant Eric Lowd of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told CBS, "We train all the time for this and practice for safety and rescues and this went well. It feels good to be part of this and I hope they have a fruitful life."