MININT reports the discovery of abandoned vessels on the coasts of Cuba.

The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) of Cuba reported the discovery of two abandoned vessels on the coasts of Cuba and warned the owners that they have 30 calendar days to claim them.

The first finding was reported by the Captaincy of the Port of Nueva Gerona, according to which on June 22, a motorless vessel was found on the beach of the Villa Linda Mar Hotel in Cayo Largo del Sur, published the official newspaper Granma.

It has specific characteristics such as a predominant white and blue color, a length of 4.80 meters, a beam of 1.10 meters, and a draft of 0.35 meters. On the port and starboard sides, you can read "Panda." The hull is made of plastic and has an identifying number TFT 2099, but there is no additional information, the report indicates.

For its part, the Port Authority of Cárdenas found another motorless Zodiac-type boat on May 25, 2024, in the Juan Claro Canal, Martí municipality, Matanzas province.

This one is gray with a red stripe, with a length of 2.50 meters, a beam of 1.80 meters, and a draft of 0.60 meters. On the port side, you can read "Golden Ship," and the hull material is rubber and plastic, with no further identifying information, the report states.

The Department of Port Captains of the Border Guard Troops Directorate of MININT added that according to Article 214, paragraph c) of Decree No. 317, individuals or legal entities that may have rights over these vessels can claim ownership of the found property within 30 calendar days following the publication of this information in Granma on July 23rd.

To do this, the note states, they must go to the respective Port Captaincies, presenting the documentation that legally verifies the ownership or possession of the vessels.

The offices in Nueva Gerona are located on Calle 31 s/n between 18 and 20, Nueva Gerona, Special Municipality of Isla de la Juventud.

The ones in Matanzas are located on Céspedes Final Street, Cárdenas municipality.

This finding adds to other similar incidents reported earlier. In March 2024, several abandoned vessels were found on the Cuban coasts, and in September 2023, the government confiscated a jet ski and three abandoned boats.

Cuban authorities find abandoned vessels on the shores of the archipelago every year. It is believed that these boats are often used by migrants seeking to reach South Florida, making transfers at sea.

Some vessels have also allegedly belonged to drug traffickers in the region who usually abandon boats and launches adrift, in escape circumstances after being detected by the authorities.