Dozens of people in the municipality of Niquero, in Granma province, expressed their shock following the confirmation of the deaths of four local youths in a shipwreck that occurred while they were attempting to reach the United States in a homemade boat.
The victims were identified as Alba Parrado Meriño, Leandro López, Adrián Matos Maceo, and a young man known as "José." According to statements from family and friends on social media, the young individuals dreamed of a better life and sought to help their families.
On Facebook, the residents of Niquero and Cubans abroad expressed their grief. "It’s hard to see how every dream and hope can end in an instant. Rest in peace," wrote one user, while another lamented, "My girl, you have no idea the immense pain you have left us."
Although the circumstances of the accident have not yet been officially confirmed, the shipwreck may be related to an incident reported a few days earlier, in which a vessel departed from Playa Menéndez in Martí (Matanzas) and sank in the Florida Strait.
Independent sources such as Martí Noticias and elToque reported that a speedboat, allegedly involved in migrant trafficking, collided with another vessel, leaving at least 24 people missing and several dead.
According to anonymous testimonies, some of the survivors were adrift for up to seven days before being rescued and subsequently repatriated to Cuba. They are currently being held in an investigative unit in Matanzas while authorities investigate the case.
The lack of official information from the Cuban government leaves several questions unanswered: Is this a single shipwreck or separate incidents? What is the exact number of victims?
In the past week, another shipwreck occurred on November 23, leaving at least two dead, including a 17-year-old teenager. These tragedies reflect the increasing exodus of Cubans who risk their lives in search of a better future outside the island.
Tragedy in Niquero: Shipwreck of Cuban Rafters
The municipality of Niquero, in Granma, Cuba, is in mourning following the confirmation of the deaths of four young individuals who were attempting to reach the United States in a homemade vessel. This tragic event has raised numerous questions about the safety and conditions faced by Cubans in their quest for a better life beyond the island.
Who were the victims of the shipwreck in Niquero?
The victims were identified as Alba Parrado Meriño, Leandro López, Adrián Matos Maceo, and a young man known as "José." They were young individuals from Niquero seeking to improve their lives and support their families by migrating to the United States.
What is known about the circumstances of the shipwreck?
Although there is no official confirmation, it is speculated that the shipwreck may be related to an incident where a speedboat collided with another vessel in the Florida Strait. This left several people missing and others deceased.
What do the authorities say about this incident?
Currently, there is no official information from the Cuban government regarding the exact number of victims or whether this is a single shipwreck or separate incidents. Investigations are ongoing, with survivors detained in Matanzas.
Why are so many Cubans risking their lives at sea?
The increasing exodus of Cubans is driven by the search for better opportunities and living conditions outside the island. Many risk their lives at sea to escape the difficult economic and political situation in Cuba.
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