The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has closed Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida on Monday after approximately 300 migrants arrived over the weekend.
«On January 2 at 0800 hours (local time), Dry Tortugas National Park will temporarily close public access while law enforcement and medical personnel assess, provide care, and coordinate transportation (…) for approximately 300 migrants who have arrived over the past few days,» reads an NPS statement.
Authorities have warned that the closure is expected to last several days, stating that it is «necessary for the safety of visitors and staff for the resources and space to care for the migrants».
«As in other parts of the Florida Keys, the park has recently seen an increase in people arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park,» explains the agency, which reports that relief workers are providing food, water and basic medical care until the arrival of the Department of Homeland Security.
The aforementioned national park is located on Key West Island, which is part of the Florida Keys archipelago and is 140 kilometers from Cuba.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
