Coast Guard transfers 19 people to the Bahamas

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 transfers 19 people to The Bahamas

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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.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter William Flores' crew transferred 19 Cubans to Bahamian authorities, Monday, after being rescued in the Bahamas.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry air crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders, May 9, of migrants stranded on Anguilla Cay, Bahamas. 

The air crew deployed a radio, food and water.

There were no reported injuries. 

“The Coast Guard and our partners continue to patrol the waters around The Bahamas, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico to help prevent loss of life,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Estrada. "Taking to the seas on rustic makeshift vessels without safety gear or lifesaving equipment is dangerous."

Since Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews interdicted 1,861 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. 

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-USCG-