Cruise ship hosting Pittsburgh athletes rescues 16 migrants

MIAMI (AP) – A Carnival Cruise Line ship that is hosting a tour centered on Pittsburgh sports has rescued 16 migrants in the Gulf of Mexico.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Jon-Paul Rios said the ship reported finding the 16 migrants Saturday and brought them aboard. He said they would be turned over to Mexican immigration officials at the ship’s next stop, Cozumel. He did not know their condition but said no medical help was requested.

The rescue got wide notice when former Pittsburgh Steelers player James Harrison posted rescue photos online. The cruise started Thursday in Miami. Other former Pittsburgh athletes whom organizers said would be on the cruise include Steelers Rocky Bleier, Pirate Manny Sanguillen and Penguin Bryan Trottier.

Carnival did not immediately return calls and an email seeking comment.