Memorial Flotilla Ready to Sail

MIAMI: "The last time Miami exiles attempted to launch a flotilla towards Cuba," says TIME's Tamerlin Drummond, "a Cuban ship rammed the lead boat in the flotilla. Several people were injured." Disregarding past history, Brothers to the Rescue is planning a return to the same spot where two of its planes were gunned down by Cuban fighter jets last Saturday. Brothers founder Jose Basulto, who escaped Cuban jets in last Saturday's attack, says he is eager to go back to the area to say a prayer for his fallen comrades. Despite the volatility of the situation and the personal danger in returning to the site of Saturday's attack, Basulto insists that he will not back down, reports Drummond. "I am always concerned for my safety," he says. "But I am more concerned for my rights." Saturday's flotilla, initially estimated at six boats has now grown to include about a dozen. The Cuban government issued a statement that it "will take necessary measures" if any of the boats enter Cuban waters. The U.S. government, unwilling to take any chances, has ordered Coast Guard cutters to accompany the vessels from Key West to the site of the memorial service and back.