PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Coast Guard repatriates 80 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 80 people to Cuba 

  3 4 5

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 Richard Etheridge's crew repatriated 80 Cubans to Cuba, Saturday, following interdictions off Florida's coast.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Tuesday, at approximately 12:30 a.m., about 14 miles south of Key Largo.

Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma's crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant chug, Tuesday, at approximately 2 p.m., about 38 miles west of Cay Sal, Bahamas.

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations law enforcement boat crew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Wednesday, at approximately 10 a.m., about 4 miles south of Boot Key.

A Coast Guard Station Marathon law enforcement boat crew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant chug, Wednesday, at approximately 4 p.m., about 5 miles south of Boot Key.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Wednesday, at approximately 5 p.m., about 2 miles south of Boot Key.

"These voyages are not only illegal, but also incredibly dangerous,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Estrada, Coast Guard Seventh District. "Sea and weather conditions can change at a moments notice and cost you your life."

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 4,076 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. 

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

-USCG-