Coast Guard repatriates 26 people to Cuba

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 05/24/2022 12:57 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 305-202-3735
7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard repatriates 26 people to Cuba

Don't take to the seas graphic. Make shift vessels are unsafe and unseaworthy, weather can change quickly and you could love your life. (U.S. Coast Guard graphic by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Hernandez)

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MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton's crew repatriated 26 Cubans to Cuba, Tuesday, following an interdiction off the Florida Keys. 

A good Samaritan alerted Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders, Friday, of a rustic vessel at approximately 12:15 p.m., about 15 miles southeast of Islamorada.

“Family members in the United States inquiring about possible family members interdicted at sea, please contact your local U.S. representative," said Petty Officer Nicole J. Groll, Coast Guard District Seven. "Relatives located outside the United States, please contact your local U.S. Embassy."

Since Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews interdicted 1,952 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-