Photo Available: Coast Guard repatriates 55 people to Cuba

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/05/2022 11:45 AM 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 55 people to Cuba

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of this rustic vessel about 50 miles south of Boca Chica, Florida, Oct. 1, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Oct. 5, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Coast Guard Cutter William Flores’ crew) A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew alerted Sector Key West of this rustic vessel taking on water, Monday, at approximately 7:30 a.m., about 30 miles south of Islamorada. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Oct. 5, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Air Station Miami’s crew) A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew alerted Sector Key West of a rustic vessel about 30 miles south of Plantation Key, Flordia, Oct. 3, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Oct. 5, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Air Station Miami’s crew)

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

To download Cuban interdiction process video, click this link.

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 William Trump's crew repatriated 55 Cubans to Cuba, Wednesday, following four interdictions off Florida's coast. 

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel, Saturday, at 12:10 p.m., about 50 miles south of Boca Chica.

Coast Guard Cutter William Flores' crew alerted Sector Key West of a migrant vessel, Monday, at approximately 6 a.m., about 10 miles south of Long Key. 

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew alerted Sector Key West of a rustic vessel taking on water, Monday, at approximately 7:30 a.m., about 30 miles south of Islamorada.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew alerted Sector Key West of a rustic vessel, Monday, at approximately 8:20 a.m., about 40 miles south of Plantation Key.    

"Hurricane season is not over and more storms are brewing," said Lt. Connor Ives, Coast Guard District Seven. "Our air and surface crews are patrolling and are on the lookout to save lives prevent illegal, unsafe ventures."

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 66 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
  • 6,182 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2022

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. 

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-USCG-