Coast Guard Returns 12 Migrants Off Florida To Cuba

MIAMI, Florida – The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo repatriated 12 Cuban migrants on Wednesday following two separate maritime interdictions,, according to USCG Southeast.

The first incident occurred on January 19, when a Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations crew spotted a migrant raft approximately 21 miles south of Long Key. The sighting was reported to Coast Guard Sector Key West, which dispatched the crew of Cutter Charles David Jr. to interdict the vessel.  

In a separate event, a good Samaritan reported to Coast Guard Sector New Orleans that they had taken seven migrants aboard from a disabled vessel in the Yucatán Passage, about 50 miles southwest of Cuba. Coast Guard District Eight relayed the information to District Seven, which then directed the crew of Cutter Reliance to respond.  

No injuries were reported in either case.  

"The Coast Guard has increased its presence in the Florida Straits, Windward Passage, and Mona Passage to intercept unlawful maritime migration attempts before they reach U.S. shores," said Lt. Cmdr. John W. Beal, public affairs officer for Coast Guard District Seven. "We remain committed to securing our maritime borders and preventing illegal entry into the United States and its territories. Don’t take to the sea."  

Migrants interdicted at sea are brought aboard Coast Guard cutters, where they undergo processing to verify their identity and nationality. They receive food, water, shelter, and basic medical care before being repatriated to their country of origin or returned to their departure point.  

The Coast Guard urges mariners and recreational boaters to report any suspicious or illicit maritime activity via marine VHF radio on Channel 16.