Mexico rescues 6 Cubans from drifting boat

MEXICO CITY  -- The Mexican Navy says it has rescued six Cubans from a makeshift boat adrift off the Caribbean island of Isla Mujeres.

The Navy says a recreational boat reported the drifting craft. Photos provided by the Navy showed what appeared to be a sort of mast and sail, with inner tubes strapped to the sides.

The Navy said Monday the six were rescued Sunday and were slightly dehydrated. The men said they left Cuba Jan. 25, aiming to reach Honduras.

They were turned over to immigration officials.

Mexico signed a pact with Cuba in 2008 promising to deport illegal Cuban migrants. Before, Mexican generally only briefly detained Cuban migrants and gave them a 10- to 30-day exit order, giving them time to make their way to the United States.