Desperation and indifferent Cuban authorities are steadily increasing the number of Cuban boat people arriving in Florida - even though as many as half of the refugees die during the voyage.
"The average life expectancy on the waves is probably no more than four or five days," said Thomas Van Hare, head of Freedom Flight International, an air search group. "It is probably the hardest refugee journey in this world."Refugees must contend with sharks and the forceful current of the Gulf Stream. Severe sunburn and dehydration are a risk, and many travel during hurricane sea-son.
As many people perish during the voyage as arrive on Florida's shores, says Jose Basulto, founder of Brothers to the Rescue, a 3-year-old group of spotters.