 US Coast Guard has patrolled over the Florida Straits after US Homeland Security effectively warned boaters not to join a planned flotilla headed for Cuba in solidarity with unprecedented protest in the community-led island. The fleet of vessels is expected to launch from South Florida to Cuba on Monday to offer support to Cuban demonstrators who began protesting in large numbers last weekend. In an apparent response to the planned launch, the Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory on Thursday reminding boaters that it is illegal to enter Cuban waters from the U.S. without a permit, saying that boaters who attempt to cross an illegally-risk arrest have entered vessel cysts, civil and criminal fines of up to $25,000 and even 10 years in prison.