.c The Associated Press, Feb. 2
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- It's a toss-up who was more startled: Emilio Estefan or the 11 Cuban refugees who found themselves welcomed by one of their favorite musicians.
The Cuban-born Estefan, husband and musical partner of Gloria Estefan, was jogging Monday morning on trendy South Beach when he saw the refugees come ashore in a crude, handmade boat.
``I saw them come in and I saw them crying and when they touched down,'' Estefan said. ``They were so cold I brought them a little Cuban coffee just to welcome them to the land of freedom.''
Estefan said they were startled to see him.
``They just acted surprised because they know who Gloria and me are,'' he said.
The men, who were taken into custody by the U.S. Border Patrol, said they left Cuba within the last week aboard a small wooden vessel powered by a diesel engine.
AP-NY-02-02-99 0604EST
Copyright 1999 The Associated Press