The bodies of three women believed to be Cuban migrants were found in mangroves near Naval Station Key West Saturday, according to a news release from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
The women were believed to be part of a group of migrants whose vessel sank near Stock Island last week just after Hurricane Ian swept past the area.
Four migrants who swam to shore told authorities 23 people were aboard the boat when it went down "due to inclement weather," initiating a search and rescue operation by the US Border Patrol and the US Coast Guard Southeast, according to chief boarder patrol agent for Miami, Walter N. Slosar.
The incident marks the third time since Thursday the Sheriff's office has removed bodies in the area of Boca Chica Key and channel, the news release said. A total of four females and one male were recovered.
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Foul play does not appear to be a factor in any of the incidents and autopsy results are pending, the release said.
US Coast Guard Southeast crews suspended the search for the 16 missing people Sunday evening pending new information,
