Multimedia Release: Coast Guard repatriates 74 people to Cuba

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/08/2022 11:29 AM EDT

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Multimedia Release  

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

Coast Guard repatriates 74 people to Cuba

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater law enforcement crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of this migrant vessel about 18 miles northwest of Elbow Cay, Bahamas, July 6, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on July 8, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Clearwater crew)

Editor's Note: Click on images to download high-resolution video.

A Coast Guard Station Key West rescued people in the water about 3 miles south of Key West, Florida, July 6, 2022. The Cubans were repatriated to Cuba on July 8, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Key West's crew) A Coast Guard Station Key West law enforcement crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of this migrant vessel about 3 miles south of Key West, Florida, July 6, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on July 8, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Key West)
A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 aircrew alerted Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders to this rustic vessel about 63 miles east of Marathon, Florida, July 5, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on July 8, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) A good Samaritan notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of this rustic vessel about 20 miles south of Key Colony Beach, Florida, July 5, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on July 8, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

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

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 Pablo Valent's crew repatriated 74 Cubans to Cuba, Friday, following several interdictions off the coasts of the Florida Keys.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 aircrew alerted Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel, Tuesday, at 1:20 a.m., about 63 miles east of Marathon.

A good Samaritan notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel, Tuesday, at approximately 2 a.m., about 20 miles south of Key Colony Beach.

A good Samaritan notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic sail vessel, Wednesday, at approximately 8:30 a.m., about 7 miles south of Stock Island.

A Coast Guard Station Key West law enforcement crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Wednesday, approximately 9 a.m., about 3 miles south of Key West. 

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater law enforcement crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Wednesday, approximately 5:45 p.m., about 18 miles northwest of Elbow Cay, Bahamas. 

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel Wednesday, at approximately 11:15 p.m., about 7 miles south of Marquesas Key. 

"Families and friends, please encourage loved ones to seek a safe and legal path to the United States," said Lt. Cmdr. Mario Gil, Coast Guard District Seven. "Migrating illegally in vessels without life jackets or safety equipment raises the risk of losing your life at sea."

Since Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews interdicted 3,067 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-