A flotilla organized by the Democracy Movement returned to Key West on Saturday morning after completing a humanitarian mission in waters off the Cuban coast.
The four boats carrying 50 Cuban exiles and a group of reporters sailed out of the port Friday morning after a prayer service and the singing of the Cuban national anthem.
People aboard the boats launched dozens of fireworks just before they reached Cuban waters Friday evening, about 12 miles offshore, as an act of solidarity with the Cuban people.
Photos: Flotilla leaves Key West
Because of the 700 pounds of fireworks aboard the boats, which would be enough to put on a two-hour show, there are reports on Twitter that the Cuban government told people the boats were laden with bombs. According to Twitter reports, Cuba had shut down the seawall for three miles to prevent people from seeing the flotilla when it arrived.
Organizers said they were not worried, that they had planned to stay in national waters and not to tempt Cuba into any action.
"It is very important to say to the Cuban people on the island, 'You are not alone,'" said Ramon Saul Sanchez, of the Democracy Movement. "It's important to say to the world, 'Look, put your eyes on Cuba.'"
"It is important. I think we’re opening channels of communications. We're putting some pressure on the Cuban government, as well," Sanchez said.
Late Thursday, the Coast Guard inspected the boats and approved them to set sail.
The U.S. Coast Guard said it will track the flotilla, but will not interfere with it as long as it obeys U.S. laws.
A Coast Guard spokeswoman, however, said crews would not stop Cuban authorities who take action against the flotilla for "legitimate" violations of Cuban laws.
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