MIAMI, United States. — The United States Coast Guard repatriated this Wednesday 27 Cuban rafters who tried to reach the northern country illegally, while another 32 were transferred to the Bahamas.
A release of that entity pointed out that the 27 deported rafters were returned to the island by the crew of the coast guard Charles Sexton, while the 32 Cubans taken to the Bahamas were embarked on the coast guard James after the authorities of that country requested assistance for their rescue.
Capt. Robert Kinsey, of the Seventh Coast Guard District, warned that people trying to reach the United States illegally by sea will be intercepted by authorities and returned to their countries of origin.
“Individuals attempting to illegally migrate to the U.S. are being stopped by our hard-working and highly competent Coast Guard air and sea crews and partner agency,” said the officer, who emphasized the risks which involves launching into the Straits of Florida in vessels unfit for navigation.
“There is a great risk of losing your life by going to sea in unsafe and dangerous vessels. We are seeing more people of all ages risking their lives. Our crews will rescue you and return you to your country of origin or departure. Don’t go to sea,” Captain Kinsey added.
Five of the rafters deported Wednesday had previously been detained by US Border Patrol agents and the Florida Keys Sheriff’s Office after disembarking at Sombrero Beach in a homemade boat.
Since October 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews have intercepted 5,862 Cuban raftersa figure slightly lower than the 6,182 Cuban migrants in the previous fiscal year.
Last Monday, the crew of the coast guard Charles Sexton had repatriated 37 Cuban rafters last Monday.
