New details about the 17 Haitians found on the coast of Santiago de Cuba

The Cuban Red Cross in Santiago de Cuba provided new details this Thursday regarding the assistance given to the 17 Haitian citizens found this week in Playa Siboney, including the provision of food and water, psychological support, and an updated account of the vessel's intended destination.

According to the organization's report on Facebook, the migrants had spent several days at sea before reaching Cuban territory, and their vessel had set sail with the destination of Jamaica.

This latest detail differs from the information initially released after their arrival, which stated that the group had departed from Haiti heading towards the coasts of the United States but ended up in Santiago de Cuba after weather conditions disrupted their course.

The organization also stated that it activated its humanitarian response protocols and deployed relief and assistance personnel in coordination with local authorities.

As part of the care provided, medical and paramedical personnel from Public Health, along with members of the Red Cross, examined the 17 individuals. According to the organization, no signs or symptoms were detected that would pose a risk to their health.

Hygiene and epidemiology specialists also implemented the necessary health controls, while the newcomers received hydration and food considering the time they had spent at sea without proper conditions.

The new information also specifies that the migrants received emotional support and initial psychological containment after the journey.

Attention was particularly focused on the woman, the girl, and the boy who were traveling with the group, the Red Cross stated, adding that support and listening continued to be part of the intervention.

The group consists of 14 men, one woman, one girl, and one boy. The initial information indicated that they arrived at Playa Siboney after approximately a week adrift, and that doctors and paramedics found them in apparent good health. 

In that initial report, it was also noted that specialists from Immigration and Foreign Affairs proceeded to identify the migrants, while personnel from the Ministry of the Interior were involved in security operations, and government representatives addressed logistical aspects.