MIAMI, United States. — The United States, through its Embassy in Havana, sent condolences this Thursday to the relatives of the Cuban rafters who lost their lives in the shipwreck that occurred last week in the Florida Keys.
“The United States sends condolences to the families of Cubans who perished at sea during Hurricane Ian. We continue to expand safe, legal and humane immigration avenues, so we again warn of the danger – often deadly – of irregular migration, “said the diplomatic headquarters in social networks.
The incident occurred last week when some 27 Cuban rafters who were trying to reach the Florida Keys during the advance of Hurricane Ian through the western Gulf of Mexico ended up being swept away by bad weather.
Although at first there was talk of a boat with 23 migrants, the real number, according to testimonies of the survivors, would have been 27.
In total, nine migrants linked to that event were located and safely rescued. Later, the lifeless bodies of seven of the migrants were found.
Last Sunday, the US Coast Guard (USCG) announced the suspension of rescue operations after completing several days of searching.
The US authorities have warned on several occasions about the dangers of illegal maritime incursions into artisanal vessels without adequate conditions for navigation.
Prior to the passage of Hurricane Ian, which devastated western Cuba and the west coast of Florida, the Coast Guard itself had announced the reinforcement of its patrols to avoid the loss of human lives.
“The Coast Guard and partner agencies are doubling down on patrols to ensure the death toll does not rise as more life-threatening storms develop,” express Captain Robert Kinsey days before the passage of the meteor.
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