JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Friday morning, the Coast Guard will be conducting a thorough inspection of a Panamanian cargo ship that authorities say brought at least three stowaways to Jacksonville early Thursday.
The trip actually began in Nigeria, and according to officials, once the three recover that's exactly where they will return.
The cargo ship is called the Petra, which is registered in Panama and carries cars around the world.
News4Jax did some digging and found the ship left from Lagos, Nigeria, on Aug. 7. That's when officials believe the three stowaways began their journey to Jacksonville.
Authorities said the trio was on the ship for about two weeks when someone aboard the Petra encountered the stowaways. That's when one jumped into the water, while the other two clung to the side of the ship.
Officials said a Victory casino cruise passing by spotted the person in the water and brought him to safety. The ship then notified Florida Fish and Wildlife, who brought all three to the Coast Guard at Mayport.
The three are now being treated for sun exposure and dehydration at Baptist Medical Center. Once they have recovered, authorities will begin the deportation process.