Photos available: Coast Guard repatriates 65 people to Cuba

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 11/24/2022 01:02 PM EST

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 65 people to Cuba 

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of this suspected smuggling vessel about 20 miles south of Boot Key, Florida, Nov. 18, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Nov. 24, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Marathon's crew)  A good Samaritan notified Sector Miami watchstanders of this migrant vessel about 3 miles off Jupiter Island, Florida, Nov. 19, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Nov. 24, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Lake Worth Inlet's crew)

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

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 Pablo Valent's crew repatriated 65 Cubans to Cuba, Thursday, following interdictions off Florida's coast. 

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a suspected smuggling vessel, Friday, at approximately 12:15 p.m., about 20 miles south of Boot Key. 

A good Samaritan notified Sector Miami watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Saturday, at approximately 11:42 a.m., about 3 miles off Jupiter Island.  

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Tuesday, at approximately 7:50 a.m., about 55 miles southwest Key West.  

"Coast Guard and our partners are patrolling the Florida Straits, Windward and Mona Passages to deter illegal maritime migration," said Lt. Travis Poulos, Coast Guard District Seven. "Those stopped at sea will be repatriated to their country of origin or departure."

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 2,243 Cubans compared to: 

  • 6,182 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2022
  • 838 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2021
  • 49 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2020
  • 313 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2019
  • 259 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2018
  • 1,468 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2017
  • 5,396 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2016

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

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-USCG-