There were already nearly 200 Haitians on the Hamilton. On the way, the Hamilton picked up a family of 11 huddled in another boat, with no refuge from the pelting rain. In the distance, another small, wooden boat waited. Coast Guard members help pull off their life vests while an interpreter points them to the stern. Their bony legs shake as they walk on the sturdier surface.
Some women are naked from the waist up or wear only a bra.
They walk down a long hallway lined with bright lights. Jim Amster, the cutter's chief medical officer, quickly assesses the boarders. He asks through an interpreter when they last ate and drank. We're getting them in with headaches, sea sickness, fevers, diarrhea and gastro problems. Crew members frisk the Haitians and go through their bags, confiscating potential weapons and food that could be contaminated.