News Stories

Cuban Migration On The Rise: Coast Guard Encounters Increasing in Frequency

Article courtesy of Sailing Scuttlebut

Sailing Scuttlebutt regularly receives migration updates from the U.S. Coast Guard, with 2022 proving to be an active year from Cuba. These reports also highlight the importance of boaters to this work:

“Migrating illegally in makeshift vessels, especially without life jackets or safety equipment, is incredibly dangerous,” said Lt. Paul Puddington, Coast Guard District Seven. “Please, for your own safety, don’t take to the sea.”

July 10, 2022 – Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark’s crew repatriated 64 Cubans to Cuba today following interdictions off the Florida Keys.

Coast Guard Cutter Pablo Valent’s crew alerted Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel on July 7 at approximately 9:00 pm, about 25 miles south of Key West.

Cuban migration, Coast Guard interdiction

Cuban residents are taking to the water in ramshackle boats attempting to escape to the United States.

Coast Guard Cutter Pablo Valent’s crew alerted Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel on July 7 at approximately 11:30 pm, about 30 miles south of Key West.

A good Samaritan notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel on July 8 at approximately 8:15 am, about 14 miles south of Boot Key.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel on July 8 at approximately 5:30 pm, about 40 miles south of Key West.

In Fiscal Year 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 3,067 Cubans compared to:

  • 2016: 5,396 Cuban Migrants
  • 2017: 1,468 Cuban Migrants
  • 2018: 259 Cuban Migrants
  • 2019: 313 Cuban Migrants
  • 2020: 49 Cuban Migrants
  • 2021: 838 Cuban Migrants

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. The Coast Guard Fiscal Year is from October 1 to September 30.