On the northern coast of Matanzas, on the cliff known as Risco Alto, there is a community that faces the dangers of this area every day to experience the passion of fishing in Cuba.
In a recent video published by the YouTuber J SanT_TV, titled "The Hanging Houses of Risco Alto: The Fishermen of Death in Cuba," the life of these people is revealed as they face the harsh conditions of the sea and the cliff daily, in order to find economic sustenance and feed their families.
These structures, known as fishing huts or "tablones," are suspended over the sea, hanging from the walls of the cliff, supported by logs and secured with steel cables to the "dog tooth" rocks.
This irregular, rugged terrain with sharp rocks presents a significant challenge for those unfamiliar with the area. Trying your luck at fishing there requires a lot of courage, physical skill, and the knack of an experienced fisherman.
The huts, whose construction dates back to the 1980s, are not permanent homes, but rather shelters used by local fishermen. They primarily go to them on nights of the waning moon or new moon, in order to have better fishing.
The features of these booths are as modest as they are surprising. Generally, they are made of wood, covered with canvas only on the sides and the roof, but they leave the wall facing the sea completely open, which provides an unobstructed view of the ocean, as if they were flying over it.
However, this same design increases the risks for those who are not familiar with the conditions of the place.
J SanT_TV interviewed one of the fishermen in the area, who showed him how these hanging huts work and allowed him to better understand their risky way of life.
The waters of Risco Alto are very productive for fishing, with species such as tuna, swordfish, dorado, and picuas, which are frequently caught.
This abundance in fishing does not eliminate the danger of working in this environment, where a misstep on the sharp rocks can have serious consequences.
This is not a swimming area. You cannot jump into the water, despite the depth of more than 10 fathoms, because it is very difficult to climb back up the cliff.
The fishing community of Risco Alto, although isolated, reflects the resilience and ingenuity of those who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
Beauty and risk intertwine at this point on the Cuban coast, offering a unique perspective on a way of life that few know, but which represents a vital part of the fishing culture of Matanzas.
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