Cubans Try to Reach Fla. in Floating '51 Chevy...

myway ^ | Feb 4

[PaulaB]

MIAMI (AP) - Two Cubans who tried to sail to Florida in a truck converted to a pontoon boat last year are making another attempt, this time piloting a seagoing 1950s-era Buick with nine other people, including five children, relatives said.

Marciel Basanta Lopez and Luis Gras Rodriguez, who were sent back to Cuba in July after they failed to reach Florida in a converted 1951 Chevy pickup, were allegedly at the helm of the newest vehicle-boat conversion.

The Coast Guard refused on Wednesday to confirm the status of the tailfinned car or the origin of photos of it in the water that were broadcast on television Tuesday. U.S. policy prevents the disclosure of information on such cases until they are resolved, such as by sending the participants back to their home countries, Petty Officer Sandra Bartlett said.

Under U.S. immigration policy, Cubans who reach U.S. shores are allowed to stay while those caught at sea are usually returned.

(AP) Luis Gras Rodriguez, rihgt, and his wife Isora Hernandez, left, and their son Angel are seen... Full Image

The Miami Herald said the 1959 Buick was nearly halfway to Key West by Tuesday evening. Key West is 90 miles from Havana, but it was not immediately clear where on Cuba the group had set out to sea.

Relatives in Cuba told Basanta's cousin, Kiriat Lopez, who lives in Lake Worth, that they knew the men were planning a second escape attempt.

"My cousin isn't crazy. He wants to be free," Lopez told the newspaper. "That's how crazy he is."

He said the group left Cuba on Monday night. "They've been waiting the past two weeks for good weather," he said.

In the Havana neighborhood of San Miguel de Padron, Gras' sister said she was awaiting news.

"They are very brave," Valentina Gras told the Herald. "When you are so sure of what you have to do you cannot be afraid."

Last summer, the two men were joined by seven other men, two women and one small child.

The Chevy pickup they used then was kept afloat by empty 55-gallon drums attached to the bottom as pontoons. A propeller attached to the drive shaft pushed it along at about 8 mph.

After the Coast Guard intercepted them about 40 miles off Key West, the pickup was sunk to keep it from becoming a hazard to other vessels.

[PaulaB]

[RosieCotton]

LOL! Gotta at least give 'em points for originality!

[Rebelbase]

This is going to end in tragedy if they keep trying this.

[agitator]

ping

[OXENinFLA]

This makes 2?

[sirshackleton]

"My cousin isn't crazy. He wants to be free," Lopez told the newspaper. "That's how crazy he is."

Great statement

[nuconvert]

"When you are so sure of what you have to do you cannot be afraid."

"My cousin isn't crazy. He wants to be free," Lopez told the newspaper. "That's how crazy he is."

That Says it ALL.

[NonValueAdded]

Another "not our finest hour" bump

[Rebelbase]

Driving with a 40+ year expired tag will get you pulled in a heartbeat.

[af_vet_rr]

Some people really value freedom...

[reagan_fanatic]

I am speechless.

[The SISU kid]

"Drove my Chevy to the levy but the levy was dry...."



(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

[kenth]

He owns at least two 50's antique autos and he still isn't happy? Just what is it about these guys that they don't love their quaint paradise. Our Hollywood friends just love it there. It's like visiting a 50's theme park.

[SGCOS]

Meanwhile, 7 million illegal immigrants have no problem getting into the United States.

[PaulaB]

LOL I couldn't resist when I read this....it's a little comic relief that I think we all need. But then after I laugh I think about these poor souls. Maybe we all need a history lesson to value our freedom we take for granted in this great country....

[martin_fierro]

[DumpsterDiver]

I sure hope they make it this time. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

[af_vet_rr]

He owns at least two 50's antique autos and he still isn't happy?

Those are probably top of the line cars in the socialist paradise called Cuba.

[rudypoot]

I can't believe they want to come to this country when Cuba has such fantastic healthcare. /sarcasm