Related videos:
Five of the more than 40 rafters who were returned to Cuba this Wednesday by the U.S. Coast Guard were initially rescued by a boater who pulled them from the water after the makeshift vessel they were traveling in capsized.
The entity specified in a statement that the Sector Key West guards received "a report from a good Samaritan about an improvised vessel on Sunday, approximately 47 miles southwest of Islamorada."
The note added that "the good Samaritan rescued five people in the water after the makeshift boat capsized."
The other interdiction took place on December 11, approximately 50 miles south of Marathon, when a crew from the HC-144 of the Coast Guard Air Station in Miami notified the watchstanders at Coast Guard District Seven about a boat carrying a large number of migrants, who were also Cuban in this instance.
Once aboard a Coast Guard vessel, the rafters are processed to determine their identity and are provided with food, water, shelter, and basic medical care before being repatriated to their country of origin or returned to the country from which they departed.
"The Coast Guard and our state and local partners are patrolling this holiday season to detect and intercept illegal maritime migration," said Lieutenant Thomas Pease, a law enforcement officer with the Coast Guard's Seventh District.
"Despite the relatively warm waters of the Florida Keys and the Caribbean, water temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees still pose a risk of hypothermia from prolonged exposure," he added.
The Coast Guard emphasized that "anyone attempting to migrate illegally by sea will be rescued and repatriated to their country of origin or departure."
On Wednesday, the crew of the Coast Guard vessel Paul Clark repatriated a total of 43 people to Cuba following the two mentioned interdictions.
The total number of repatriations from countries in the region has reached 90
So far, there have been a total of 90 repatriations from countries in the region in 2024, involving 1,312 irregular migrants returned, as reported this week by Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
Recently, eight Cuban rafters were rescued by an oil tanker after their boat sank near the Cayman Islands at the end of November, according to the Customs and Border Control Service (CBC).
Similarly, many other rafters are sent back from the Bahamas, but the main destination for Cubans is the southern coast of Florida, from where the majority of those intercepted at sea are returned.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Irregular Migration of Cuban Rafters and the Intervention of the U.S. Coast Guard.
How does the U.S. Coast Guard respond to the illegal maritime migration of Cubans?
The U.S. Coast Guard conducts interception operations to address the illegal maritime migration of Cubans. These actions include transferring migrants to the Bahamian authorities or repatriating them to Cuba, depending on the circumstances. The USCG collaborates with other security agencies to deter these dangerous sea journeys.
What risks do Cuban rafters face when trying to reach the U.S.?
Cuban raftsmen face serious risks when trying to reach the U.S. by sea, such as dehydration, exhaustion, shipwrecks, and, in many cases, death. The vessels are often makeshift, and sea conditions are unpredictable, which heightens the dangers of these journeys.
What is the U.S. government's stance on the illegal migration of Cubans?
The U.S. government maintains a strong stance against the irregular migration of Cubans, emphasizing that those who cross illegally will be swiftly expelled. U.S. authorities urge migrants to use legal channels and warn about the risk of repatriation.
Why do Cuban migrants attempt to reach the U.S. despite the risks?
Cuban migrants are seeking to escape the misery and repression they face in Cuba, driven by a lack of opportunities and the economic crisis on the island. Despite the risks, many view these journeys as their only hope for a better future.
Filed under: