Multimedia Release: Coast Guard repatriates 71 people to Cuba

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 12/08/2022 01:03 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 71 people to Cuba 

A Coast Guard Station Marathon law enforcement crew rescued one person after stopping an illegal migration venture on a rustic vessel about 15 miles south of Marathon, Florida, Dec. 5, 2022. No injuries were reported. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Williams)  

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

To download Cuban interdiction process video, click this link.

Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell's crew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel about 10 miles south of Boot Key, Florida, Dec. 6, 2022. The people were repatriated on Dec. 8, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell's crew) A good Samaritan alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel about 10 miles south of Boot Key, Florida, Dec. 6, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Dec. 8, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Marathon's crew)

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

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 Raymond Evans' crews repatriated 71 Cubans to Cuba, Thursday, following interdictions off Florida's coast.

An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry law enforcement airplane crew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Monday, at approximately 11 a.m., about 15 miles south of Marathon. 

Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell's crew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Tuesday, at approximately 4 a.m., about 10 miles south of Boot Key. 

A good Samaritan alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Tuesday, at approximately 2:45 p.m., about 10 miles south of Boot Key.

An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry law enforcement airplane crew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Tuesday, at approximately 12:15 p.m., about 40 miles south of Key West. 

"Coast Guard and partner agency crews are patrolling the Florida Straits, and Windward and Mona Passages to prevent tragic loss of life from these dangerous and illegal maritime voyages," said Lt. j.g. Nicholas Fujimoto, Coast Guard District Seven. "Please, don't take to the sea."

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 2,982 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-