The Amazing True Story of Brothers to the Rescue: Heroes of the Sky

Seagull One: The Amazing True Story of Brothers to the Rescue

by Lily Prellezo

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5191 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	357 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In the annals of humanitarian history, the name Brothers to the Rescue stands tall. This volunteer organization, founded by Cuban exiles in Miami, Florida, dedicated itself to performing daring search and rescue missions, often in perilous conditions.

Founded in 1991 by five Cuban pilots, Brothers to the Rescue quickly became known for its dedication to saving lives. The organization's primary mission was to search for Cuban rafters and other migrants who were attempting to flee the communist island nation. Brothers to the Rescue also conducted search and rescue operations in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

The organization's volunteers were a diverse group of individuals, united by their shared desire to help others. Many of the pilots had flown in the Cuban Air Force, and they used their skills and experience to navigate the treacherous waters of the Florida Straits. Other volunteers included mechanics, nurses, and communications specialists.

Brothers to the Rescue's missions were often dangerous. The organization's planes were frequently harassed by Cuban military aircraft, and several of the volunteers were killed in the line of duty. In 1996, two Brothers to the Rescue planes were shot down by Cuban fighter jets, killing four of the organization's members.

Despite the dangers, Brothers to the Rescue continued to fly its missions. The organization's volunteers were driven by a deep sense of compassion and a belief that everyone deserves a chance to live free.

In 2003, Brothers to the Rescue disbanded, but its legacy continues to this day. The organization's work helped to save the lives of thousands of Cuban migrants, and its volunteers set an example of courage and compassion that continues to inspire others.

The Founding of Brothers to the Rescue

Brothers to the Rescue was founded in 1991 by five Cuban pilots: José Basulto, Mario de la Peña, Santiago Alvarez, Armando Alejandre, and Carlos Costa. All five men had flown in the Cuban Air Force, and they shared a deep desire to help their fellow Cubans who were struggling to escape the communist regime.

The organization's first mission was to search for a group of rafters who were attempting to flee Cuba in a small boat. The rafters had been lost at sea for several days, and Brothers to the Rescue was able to locate them and bring them to safety.

The success of this first mission inspired Brothers to the Rescue to continue its work. The organization quickly expanded its operations, and soon it was conducting search and rescue missions throughout the Caribbean and Central America.

Brothers to the Rescue's Humanitarian Missions

Brothers to the Rescue's primary mission was to search for Cuban rafters. However, the organization also conducted search and rescue operations in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

In 1992, Brothers to the Rescue played a major role in the rescue efforts following Hurricane Andrew, which devastated South Florida. The organization's volunteers flew hundreds of sorties, delivering food, water, and medical supplies to victims of the storm.

In 1997, Brothers to the Rescue assisted in the rescue efforts following the earthquake in Costa Rica. The organization's volunteers flew teams of medical personnel and supplies to the disaster zone, and they helped to evacuate hundreds of victims.

The Shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue Planes

On February 24, 1996, two Brothers to the Rescue planes were shot down by Cuban fighter jets. The planes were flying over international waters, approximately 10 miles off the coast of Cuba, when they were attacked.

All four of the volunteers on board the planes were killed: José Basulto, Mario de la Peña, Armando Alejandre, and Carlos Costa. The shootdown of the planes sparked international outrage, and it led to a tightening of the U.S. embargo against Cuba.

The Cuban government claimed that the Brothers to the Rescue planes were violating Cuban airspace. However, an investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded that the planes were in international airspace when they were shot down.

The Legacy of Brothers to the Rescue

Brothers to the Rescue disbanded in 2003, but its legacy continues to this day. The organization's work helped to save the lives of thousands of Cuban migrants, and its volunteers set an example of courage and compassion that continues to inspire others.

In 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Brothers to the Rescue Humanitarian Relief Act, which provides funding for search and rescue operations in the Caribbean and Central America.

In 2016, the Brothers to the Rescue Museum was opened in Miami. The museum tells the story of the organization's history and its volunteers' sacrifices.

Seagull One: The Amazing True Story of Brothers to the Rescue

by Lily Prellezo

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5191 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	357 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE