Raftman dies on boat heading to Florida; 14 Cubans sent to the Bahamas

AndCuban rafter died during the interception of a vessel inBahamas waters bound for the coasts of Florida, US authorities reported this Wednesday.

The Legare Coast GuardUnited States Coast Guard (USCG) located and intercepted the boat with 15 Cuban immigrants on board approximately 16 miles southeast of Anguilla Cay, around 8:30 pm last Monday.

"After intercepting the vessel, Coast Guard personnel realized that a passenger was unconscious and unresponsive. Crew members attempted to revive him and administered CPR for approximately 30 minutes, but the USCG acting doctor certified little. after the person had died," according to aofficial announcement.

"The crew of the Legare transported the 14 survivors and handed them over to theRoyal Bahamas Defense Force on Tuesday, while the body of the deceased was sent to a forensic medicine office in that country for the required procedures, including the identification of the body and subsequent notification to next of kin.

Although the text of the statement does not explicitly refer to the nationality of the immigrants, a Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed toCyberCuba that those intercepted are Cubans, but declined to offer additional details about the date and characteristics of the trip, as well as the situation of the detainees.

"What is very likely is that they will be repatriated soon," the official added.

The discovery and interception of the Cuban immigrants occurred while Legare was patrolling the area as part of the so-calledOperation Vigilant Sentry, a multi-agency initiative that deploys air and surface assets to confront illegal maritime migration in the United States' Caribbean corridor.

"This incident serves as a solemn reminder that illegal maritime immigration is always dangerous and very often deadly," said CaptainJoanna K. Hiigel, USCG Deputy Incident Commander for Operation Vigilant Sentinel.

Commander Hiigel asked all people who are considering the possibility of emigrating irregularly to "prioritize their own safety and that of their family using the legal channels at their disposal."

"We express our sincere condolences to anyone impacted by this tragic loss," the officer concluded.

The report did not include further details about the condition of the survivors. In accordance with established regulations, the Cubans remain detained in the Bahamas until they are returned by air to Cuba.

During 2023, they have beena total of 641 Cuban rafters repatriated from the Bahamas in 15 operations.

This week's fatal incident comes at a time of an escalation in sea crossings from Cuba. During the current fiscal year (FY2023), which began last October 1, the USCG has intercepted 6,800 Cubans traveling to the coast of Florida, whilemore than 28 thousand managed to enter US territory in the Miami sector.