VIDEO AVAILABLE: Coast Guard transfers 23 people to the Bahamas

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs 7th District online newsroom

VIDEO AVAILABLE: Coast Guard transfers 23 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 Paul Clark crew transferred 23 Cubans to Bahamian authorities, Friday, after being rescued in the Bahamas.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 Hercules aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders, Sunday, of a rustic vessel at approximately 9:45 p.m., about 10 miles southwest of Elbow Cay, Bahamas. 

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 Hercules aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders, Monday, of a rustic vessel at approximately noon, about 18 miles southwest of Anguilla, Bahamas. 

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 Lt. Travis Poulos, Coast Guard Seventh District. "Taking to the seas on rustic makeshift vessels without safety gear or lifesaving equipment is dangerous."

Since Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews interdicted 2,146 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-