PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Coast Guard repatriates 273 people to Cuba

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 273 people to Cuba 

   

 

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

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 Mohawk's crew repatriated 273 migrants to Matanzas, Cuba, Sunday, following interdictions off Florida's coast.

Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge's crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant chug, Dec. 31, at approximately 4 p.m., about 104 miles southwest of Marquesas Keys.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant chug, Dec. 31, at approximately 4 p.m., about 81 miles southwest of Marquesas Keys.

Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge's crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant chug, Dec. 31, at approximately 6 p.m., about 92 miles southwest of Marquesas Keys.

Coast Guard Cutter Pablo Valent's crew alerted Sector Key Welst watchstanders of a migrant chug, Dec. 31, at approximately 10:15 p.m., about 14 miles south of Key Colony Beach.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant chug, Jan. 1, at approximately 7 a.m., about 5 miles south of Duck Key.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Jan. 1, at approximately 9 a.m., about 7 miles south of Duck Key.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant chug, Jan. 1, at approximately 10 a.m., about 8 miles south of the Seven Mile Bridge.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Jan. 1, at approximately 11 a.m., about 24 miles south of Islamorada.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a capsized migrant vessel, Jan. 1, at approximately 5 p.m., about 35 miles north of Havana, Cuba.

Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Jan. 1, at approximately 7 p.m., about 23 miles south of Marquesas Keys.

A Coast Guard Station Marathon law enforcement boat crew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel, Monday, at approximately 12 p.m., about 17 miles south of Key West.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant chug, Tuesday, at approximately 9 a.m., about 5 miles south of Marathon.

“The Coast Guard continues to interdict and rescue migrants from grossly overloaded, unseaworthy vessels," said Lt. Cmdr. John Beal, Coast Guard District Seven. "These illegal voyages are always dangerous and often deadly. We are working closely with partner agencies to save lives and prevent illegal entry to the United States via our southeast maritime border. Those interdicted at sea will be repatriated.”

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 4,795 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-