US Coast Guard repatriates 27 Cuban migrants
US Coast Guard repatriates 27 Cuban migrants
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
MIAMI, United States (CMC) – The US Coast Guard says the cutter Charles Sexton has repatriated 27 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba. On Tuesday, the Coast Guard said the repatriation is the result of a migrant interdiction near Key Largo, Florida on Sunday.
“The Coast Guard helped secure the US border and prevent this sea voyage from ending in tragedy, we discourage anyone from taking to the sea and attempting to reach US soil illegally – they are risking their lives with very little chance of success,” said Capt Aldante Vinciguerra, chief of response for the Coast Guard 7th District.
“The Coast Guard and our partner agencies continue to maintain a strong presence in the Southeast and are ready to stop those who take the illegal, ill-advised and unsafe journey across the Florida Straits,” he added.
The Coast Guard estimates that 1,951 Cubans have attempted to illegally migrate to the US, via the maritime environment, since October 1, 2016, compared to 7,411 Cubans in fiscal year 2016.
The Coast Guard said these numbers represent the total number of at-sea interdictions, landings and disruptions in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean and Atlantic.