Carnival Ship Rescues Migrants On Sinking Boat

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Dozens of Cuban migrants on an overloaded vessel that was sinking got a free ride on the Carnival Ecstasy Tuesday evening after the cruise ship spotted the troubled boat.

Ecstasy crewmembers pulled 41 migrants to safety. The migrants later were transferred to a Coast Guard vessel patrolling the area.

Coast Guard Capt. Todd Lutes says the migrants' voyage could have ended in tragedy if it wasn't for the Ecstasy.

Officials say the migrants likely will be returned to Cuba. Cubans who make it to U.S. shores generally are allowed to stay under the so-called "wet-foot, dry-foot" policy. Cubans stopped at sea usually are returned home.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)