Amber Alert Update: Hakken Family in Cuba?

Update April 9, 12:22 p.m.: National media outlets are confirming the Hakken boat has been spotted in Cuba, according to The Tampa Tribune. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and FBI have yet to make a statement.

Earlier:

The search for two young boys abducted from their grandmother’s Carrollwood area home last week has led to the shores of Cuba.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced late Monday afternoon, April 8, that it had received a tip that the family had arrived on foreign soil.

“We are currently working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation who is in contact with the U.S. State Department to verify this information,” wrote sheriff’s office spokesman Det. Larry McKinnon in an email to media.

Read all stories related to the abduction

The search for Chase and Cole Hakken, 2 and 4 respectively, began on Wednesday, April 3 after they were taken from their grandmother’s Shady Shores Drive home in the Lake Magdalene area of Carrollwood. Deputies have said that Joshua Hakken, 35, lost custody of the children just before the kidnapping.

Sharyn Hakken, 34, the boys' mother and Joshua's wife, is believed to be with her family. Her role in the abduction remains unclear.

Authorities announced late last week that the family might be traveling by boat. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed Friday that the boat in question had left Madeira Beach on April 3.

Stay with Patch for updates as they become available.

See Also:

• Coast Guard Says Hakken Boat Left Madeira Beach April 3
• Social Media Helps in Search for Hakken Boys
• Amber Alert Update: Hakken Children Might be on a Boat
• Abductor's Pickup Found in Madeira Beach
• Search Continues For 2 Boys Abducted From Carrollwood Area
• Carrollwood Amber Alert Details Emerge
• Amber Alert Issued for Brothers Abducted from Carrollwood Area
• ‘Anti-Government’ Parents Abduct Children from Lake Magdalene Home