Coast Guard repatriates 11 Cuban migrants

 

News Release

Feb. 17, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: (305) 415-6683 After Hours: (786) 367-7649

Coast Guard repatriates 11 Cuban migrants

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton repatriated 11 Cuban migrants Friday to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba.

 

This repatriation is the result of an at-sea migrant interdiction in the South Florida Straits. The Coast Guard helped secure the U.S. border and prevent this sea voyage from ending in tragedy.

 

“We discourage anyone from taking to the sea and attempting to reach U.S. soil illegally – they are risking their lives with very little chance of success,” said Capt. Mark Gordon, chief of enforcement for the Coast Guard 7th District. “The Coast Guard and our partner agencies continue our missions and operations in the Southeast and remain ready to stop those who take the illegal, ill advised and unsafe journey across the Florida Straits.”

 

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.

 

The Coast Guard 7^th District estimates 1,919 Cubans have attempted to illegally migrate to the U.S. via the maritime environment since Oct. 1 compared to 7,411 Cubans in fiscal year 2016. These numbers represent the total number of at-sea interdictions, landings and disruptions in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean and Atlantic.

 

For breaking news follow us on Twitter @USCGSoutheast

-USCG-