Photo Available: Coast Guard repatriates 45 Cubans to Cuba

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: 305-415-6683 After Hours: 786-367-7649 7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard repatriates 45 Cubans to Cuba

Editor's Note: Click on images to download high-resolution photo.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter William Trump's crew repatriated 45 Cubans to Cuba, Monday, following three interdictions in the Caribbean Sea due to safety of life at sea concerns. 

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders, Friday, at about 12:30 p.m., of a vessel approximately 15 miles off Havana, Cuba.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders, Friday, at about 3:40 p.m., of a vessel approximately 35 miles off Cay Sal, Bahamas.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders, Saturday, at about 5:40 p.m., of a vessel approximately 40 miles off Key West.

“There is a controlled, safe and legal means of migration to the United States," said Lt. j.g. Connor Ives, a Seventh District enforcement officer. "Failing to follow this process by migrating by sea is illegal and endangers the lives of all involved."

There were no reported injuries. 

Since Oct, 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews interdicted 122 Cubans compared to: 

• 5,396 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2016
• 1,468 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2017
• 259 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2018
• 313 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2019
• 49 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2020
• 838 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2021

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. Throughout the interdiction, Coast Guard crew members were equipped with personal protective equipment to minimize potential exposure to any possible case of COVID-19.

Family members in the United States inquiring about possible family members interdicted at sea, please contact your local U.S. representative. Relatives located outside the United States please contact your local U.S. Embassy.

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-USCG-