Coast Guard Rescues 10 People From Capsized Boat Off Bahamas Coast

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FREEPORT, Bahamas (CBSMiami) -- Ten people were rescued off the coast of the Bahamas after their boat began sinking.

In conjunction with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a call for help Saturday morning, just southwest of Freeport, Bahamas.

When crews arrived, all 10 passengers were clinging to the overturned boat. They're believed to be migrants attempting to cross into the United States, officials said.

"The Coast Guard strongly discourages attempts to illegally enter the country by taking to the sea. These trips are incredibly dangerous," said Capt. Mark Fedor, chief of response for the Coast Guard 7th District.

The boaters were safely rescued and taken back to the Bahamas.