Photos available: Coast Guard repatriates 67 people to Cuba

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 67 people to Cuba 

 A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry law enforcement aircrew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of this migrant vessel about 50 miles south of Marathon, Florida, Dec. 19, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Dec. 22, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)  Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge's crew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of this migrant vessel about 20 miles south of Key West, Florida, Dec. 20, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Dec. 22, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Cutter Legare'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 Charles David Jr.'s crew repatriated 67 Cubans to Cuba, Thursday, following interdictions off Florida's coast.

Coast Guard Cutter Spencer's crew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Monday, at approximately 9:40 a.m., about 20 miles north of Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry law enforcement aircrew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Monday, at approximately 2 p.m., about 50 miles south of Marathon. 

A good Samaritan alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a capsized migrant vessel, Tuesday, at approximately 1 p.m., about 40 miles south of Boot Key. Coast Guard crews are searching for 2 missing people.

A good Samaritan alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a capsized migrant vessel, Tuesday, at approximately 1:10 p.m., about 35 miles south of Marquesas Key.

Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge's crew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Tuesday, at approximately 4:10 p.m., about 20 miles south of Key West.

"Winter weather is unpredictable in the Florida Straits," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Cobb, Coast Guard District Seven. "It can result in these unsafe, rustic vessels capsizing and people losing their lives."

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 3,724 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-