Migrant vessel from Cuba sinks before reaching land in the Keys All seven aboard were rescued by the U.S. Border Patrol, which means theyâll likely be sent back to Cuba. Â Â A boat that ferried seven Cubans to the Florida Keys floats in Boot Key Harbor in the city of Marathon on Tuesday. [ U.S. Border Patrol ] By David Goodhue Published Jan. 13 A homemade boat with seven people from Cuba on board began to sink shortly before it reached land in the Florida Keys Tuesday morning, according to the U.S. Border Patrol. The vesselâs passengers survived unharmed, but unfortunately for them, their rescuers were U.S. Border Patrol agents, and they will likely be sent back to Cuba.