Multimedia Release: Coast Guard repatriates 50 people to Cuba

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 09/11/2022 12:48 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 50 people to Cuba

A deployed small boat law enforcement crew from Sector Key West stopped this rustic vessel about 18 miles south of Key West, Florida, Sept 9, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba Sept. 11, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges)

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

To download Cuban interdiction process video, click this link.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of this rustic vessel about 3 miles south of Snake Creek, Islamorada, Florida, Sept. 8, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba Sept. 11, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Sept. 11, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
A deployed small boat law enforcement crew from Sector Key West stopped this rustic vessel about 18 miles south of Key West, Florida, Sept. 9, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Sept. 11, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges) Coast Guard Cutter Adler's crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of this rustic vessel about 18 miles south of Key West, Sept. 9, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba Sept. 11, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges) A Coast Guard member assists a migrant using a Jacobs ladder off Florida's coast, Sept. 9, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Sept. 11, 2022.(U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges.)

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. 

Para personas que residen en los EE.UU buscando información sobre un familiar posiblemente interceptado por la Guardia Costera, por favor comuníquese con su representante gubernamental local. 

MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr.'s crew repatriated 50 Cubans to Cuba, Sunday, following five interdictions off Florida's coast.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 law enforcement aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Monday, at approximately 12:30 p.m., about 17 miles south of Key Largo.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 law enforcement aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a fishing vessel, Wednesday, at approximately 7 p.m., about 35 miles south of Marathon.

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations law enforcement aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel, Wednesday, at 9:30 p.m., about 25 miles south of Little Torch Key.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel, Thursday, at approximately 12:30 p.m., about 3 miles south of Snake Creek.

Coast Guard Cutter Adler's crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel, Friday, at approximately 8:30 a.m., about 18 miles south of Key West.

"Making this trip is filled with uncertainty and great risk to loss of life," said Petty Officer Nicole J Groll, Coast Guard District Seven. "Don't leave your families and loved in pain wondering where you are, use a safe and legal means of coming to the U.S."

Since Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews interdicted 5,456 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-