Coast Guard repatriates 27 Cuban migrants

united states coast guard 

 

News Release  

Mar. 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 27 Cuban migrants

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton repatriated 27 Cuban migrants Friday to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba.

 

This repatriation is the result of a migrant interdiction near Key Largo on Sunday. 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. Aldante Vinciguerra, chief of response for the Coast Guard 7th District. “The Coast Guard and our partner agencies continue to maintain a strong presence in the Southeast and are 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 7th District estimates 1,951 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.

 

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-USCG-