The cruise ship Carnival Paradise, from the company Carnival Cruise Line, rescued this week five people who were aboard a small vessel in distress south of Cape San Antonio, on the western tip of Cuba.
The incident occurred on May 14 while the ship was transiting through the Western Caribbean after departing from Tampa, Florida, on May 12.
At the time of the rescue, the cruise ship was traveling between stops in Key West and Montego Bay, Jamaica, the company confirmed in a statement sent to .
According to Carnival, the five individuals who requested the rescue were part of a larger group traveling on the same vessel.
However, the other occupants refused to board the cruise ship, even though the ship's crew provided them with water and food before continuing their journey.
The United States Coast Guard was alerted about the situation and, according to the statement, an evacuation of the rescued individuals was coordinated.
The identity and nationality of the individuals assisted have not been disclosed by the company, and so far the Coast Guard has not issued any official statements regarding this matter.
The Carnival Paradise continued its itinerary to Jamaica after completing the rescue, adhering to international maritime protocols for aiding people in distress at sea.
This is not an isolated case. In recent years, Carnival has been involved in several similar rescues at sea.
A group of at least 12 Cuban rafters encountered the Carnival Celebration cruise ship in March 2023, in waters near Key West. The migrants refused to be rescued and only accepted water and food from the crew to continue their journey.
In February 2024, the Carnival Celebration rescued around twenty Cuban rafters off the coast of Miami. The migrants were traveling in a makeshift boat and, after receiving first aid, were handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard for repatriation to Cuba.
Just two months later, the same Carnival Paradise rescued 28 Cubans who were adrift, also in the Caribbean Sea.
Not only Carnival has been involved in these cases. This year, a cruise ship from Royal Caribbean rescued 11 Cuban rafters who were about to drown in the Caribbean.
The rescue was described as urgent and dramatic, as the vessel was in critical condition due to the boat's precariousness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rescues at Sea and Migration of Cuban Rafters
What happened during the rescue of the Carnival Paradise cruise?
The Carnival Paradise cruise rescued five people from a distressed vessel near Cape San Antonio, at the western tip of Cuba. The incident occurred while the cruise was sailing from Tampa, Florida, to Jamaica. Although other occupants of the boat refused the rescue, they were provided with water and food.
What role does the U.S. Coast Guard play in these rescues?
The U.S. Coast Guard is alerted in rescue situations and coordinates the transfer of those rescued. It also conducts interception operations to address illegal maritime migration, transferring migrants to Bahamian authorities or repatriating them to Cuba.
Why do Cuban rafters risk their lives at sea?
Cuban rafters are trying to escape from misery and repression in Cuba, driven by a lack of opportunities and the economic crisis. Despite the risks of dehydration, shipwreck, and death, many see these journeys as their only hope for a better future.
What is the U.S. government's stance on the illegal migration of Cubans?
The U.S. government maintains a firm stance against irregular migration, emphasizing that those who cross illegally will be quickly expelled. Authorities urge migrants to use legal pathways and warn about the risk of repatriation.
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