Imagery Release: Coast Guard repatriates 32 people to Cuba

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/08/2022 01:02 PM 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 32 people to Cuba

An Air Station Clearwater C-130 aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders about 65 miles south of Boot Key, Florida, June 5, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on June 8, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

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

MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell's crew repatriated 32 Cubans to Cuba, Wednesday, following interdictions off the Florida Keys. 

An Air Station Clearwater C-130 aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders, Sunday, at approximately 1:30 p.m., about 65 miles south of Boot Key.

“Illegally migrating though the Florida Straits, Windward and Mona Passages is dangerous every day," said Lt. E'bria Karega, Coast Guard Seventh District. "Doing so during hurricane season makes these voyages even more unpredictable and life threatening."

Since Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews interdicted 2,248 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-