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The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) reported the discovery of two vessels in Cuban maritime areas, which were confiscated in accordance with Resolution No. 1/2015 from the agency, outlining the procedures to follow for ships found in territorial waters.
According to details from the Border Guard Troops Directorate, on April 26, a jet ski without a name, colored black and yellow, with number FL3058TC, was found in the Quebrado el Real area, in the municipality of Nuevitas, Camagüey province.
The vehicle, with a fiberglass hull, measures 3.20 meters in length, 1.10 meters in width, and has a depth of 0.60 meters. It was powered by a stationary 4-cylinder YAMAHA engine.
The second vessel, with no visible name or registration, was found on December 12, 2024, in Estero Los Negros, in the municipality of Esmeralda, also in Camagüey.
It has a white hull and is made of fiberglass. With a length of 5.00 meters, a beam of 1.90 meters, a draft of 0.60 meters, it was equipped with a YAMAHA outboard motor with 3 cylinders and 60 HP, without a serial number.
According to a report from Granma, authorities specified that owners who consider themselves affected by the confiscations can submit a written claim to the Chief of the Border Guard Troops Directorate, within a period of 20 calendar days from the official publication in a nationally circulated medium.
It is common for maritime vessels like these to be abandoned on Cuban shores, often after being used by smugglers, drug traffickers, or migrants operating in the region.
At the end of April, the government reported the discovery of two abandoned vessels in the coastal areas of Matanzas and requested that the owners claim them within the next 30 calendar days.
It was a boat made of plastic hull, measuring three meters in length, 1.50 meters in beam, and 0.40 meters in draft, with the name DABID DIEHEL handwritten on the inside of one of its sides.
It was found on December 21, 2024, in the area known as Canal de los Barcos, Martí municipality.
The other one appeared on January 24 of this year near the Sirenis Tropic Hotel, in the municipality of Cárdenas.
It was a boat with a carbon fiber hull, measuring 2.90 meters in length, 1.29 meters in beam, and 0.65 meters in depth, equipped with a Yamaha outboard motor of 9.9 HP and two cylinders, without visible identifying data.
Frequently Asked Questions about the confiscation of vessels in Cuba
Why does the Cuban government confiscate vessels found on its shores?
The Cuban government confiscates vessels found in its waters to ensure security and sovereignty over its territorial waters. According to Resolution No. 1/2015 from the Ministry of the Interior, the Border Guard Troops are responsible for detecting and disposing of these vessels, many of which may be linked to illicit activities such as human or drug trafficking.
What is the procedure to claim a confiscated vessel in Cuba?
Owners who consider themselves affected by the confiscation of a vessel may submit a written claim to the Chief of the Border Troops Directorate. The deadline to make this claim is 20 calendar days from the official publication of the confiscation in a national circulation medium.
What types of vessels are typically abandoned on the Cuban coasts?
It is common to find vessels such as jet skis, boats, and sailboats abandoned on the Cuban coasts. Often, these vessels have been used by smugglers, drug traffickers, or migrants operating in the region who decide to abandon them upon being detected by the authorities.
What is the current situation of illegal maritime traffic in Cuba?
Illegal maritime traffic in Cuba remains a significant issue. Most drugs enter the country by sea, and there have been multiple incidents involving vessels used for human and drug trafficking. Cuban authorities continue to investigate and prosecute these cases to protect their territory.
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