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Cruise ships rescue 21 rafters

MIAMI, April 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard was holding 21 people plucked from rafts off the Florida coast this week by two cruise ships, a spokesman said Saturday.

Petty Officer Mark Barney told CNN authorities were trying to determine whether the individuals would be sent home. He declined to disclose their country of origin, the U.S. news network said.

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Eight refugees were picked up Thursday afternoon by the Disney Wonder about 45 miles from Key West, the cruise line said.

The Carnival Conquest rescued the other 13 Friday afternoon in the same vicinity, CNN said. Carnival said that group was comprised of Cubans.

"We are happy to have come to the aid of these individuals and to support the long-established tradition among the global maritime community of providing assistance to mariners in distress," Carnival President and Chief Executive Gerry Cahill said in a statement.

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