Cubans jailed over fatal crossing

Many Cubans attempt to make the perilous crossing to the US

Two Cubans have been jailed for 10 years in the US for planning a migrant crossing which ended in the death of a six-year-old boy, prosecutors say.

The boy was in a boat with nearly 30 other Cubans when the vessel overturned, trapping him underneath.

The judge imposed a maximum term on Alexander Gil Rodriguez and Luis Manuel Taboada Cabrere, citing a marked increase in illegal crossings.

Both admitted conspiracy to encourage aliens to enter the US illegally.

A lawyer for the two men said they would appeal.

The boat was being chased by a US Coast Guard vessel when it overturned.

It had been trying to reach the Florida coast.

The Cuban and US governments blamed each other for the death of the child.