PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Coast Guard repatriates 82 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: 786-812-6230
7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard repatriates 82 people to Cuba 

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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 82 Cubans to Cuba, Wednesday, following interdictions off Florida's coast.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Dec. 19, at approximately 1 p.m., about 20 miles north of Holguin, Cuba.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Friday, at approximately 12:30 a.m., about 35 miles north of Marquesas.

Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr.'s crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a fishing vessel, Friday, at approximately 3 a.m., about 6 miles south of Marathon.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew notified Sector Miami watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Friday, at approximately 8 a.m., about 25 miles east of Sands Key.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Friday, at approximately 6 p.m., about 17 miles north of Elbow Cay, Bahamas.

Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr.'s crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant chug, Friday, at approximately 6:30 p.m., about 9 miles south of Long Key.

"Taking to the sea on overloaded, rustic vessels is dangerous and may cost you your life," said Lt. Travis Poulos, Coast Guard District Seven. "Use a safe and legal avenue to come to the United States."

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 3,884 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-