Imagery Release: Coast Guard repatriates 40 people to Cuba

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/02/2022 11:00 AM EDT

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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 40 people to Cuba

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations boat crew rescued people from a rustic vessel taking on water about 8 miles south of Key West, Florida, after a good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of their distress, May 30, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on June 2, 2022. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection AMO photo) A good Samaritan reported to Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders a rustic vessel about 20 miles south of Boot Key, Florida, May 31, 2022. The people were repatriated June 2, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Marathon)

Editor's Note: Click on image to download high-resolution versions.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Pablo Valent's crew repatriated 40 Cubans to Cuba, Thursday, following interdictions off the Florida Keys. 

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations boat crew rescued people from a rustic vessel taking on water, Monday, at 12:40 p.m., 8 miles south of Key West, after a good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of their distress. 

A good Samaritan reported a rustic vessel to Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders, Tuesday, at approximately 1 p.m., about 20 miles south of Boot Key.

“These people are fortunate to be alive after making a dangerous journey in unpredictable seas," said Lt. Travis Poulos, Coast Guard Seventh District. "As hurricane season progresses, these voyages will be even more treacherous."

Since Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews interdicted 2,103 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-