The United States Coast Guard says its cutter Isaac Mayo’s crew repatriated 14 Cubans to Cuba, Friday, after intercepting them off the coast of Key West, Florida.
While on a routine patrol, the US Coast Guard said a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 aircrew notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders at 10:15 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday, of a blue inflatable raft about 46 miles south of Key West.
The US Coast Guard said the migrants were brought aboard the Issac Mayo for repatriation.
A US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew also notified Sector Key West watchstanders at about 11:55 p.m., Wednesday, of a chug about 18 miles southwest of Key West
The migrants were also brought aboard the Issac Mayo for repatriation.
“Taking to the seas in a less than sea-worthy vessel is dangerous and can result in loss of life,” said Lieutenant Commander Mario Gil, Coast Guard Liaison Officer, US Embassy Havana. “We request all mariners to report any possible migrant voyages to help prevent loss of life at sea.”
Since October 1, 2020, the US Coast Guard said crews have interdicted 745 Cubans compared to 5,396 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2016; 1,468 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2017; 259 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2018; 313 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2019; and 49 Cuban migrants in Fiscal Year 2020.
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