US Coast Guard repatriates 32 migrants to Cuba

MIAMI / HAVANA – Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr.’s crew repatriated 32 migrants to Cuba, Wednesday, following an interdiction of a migrant venture near Marathon, Florida.

The Coast Guard and its Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast federal, state and local partners will continue to patrol by land, air and sea to rescue and repatriate anyone attempting to enter the US unlawfully by sea.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Friday, at approximately 2 p.m., about 41 miles southeast of Long Key. Law enforcement boat crews from Station Islamorada intercepted the vessel and transferred the migrants to Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr. for disposition.

“Anyone attempting to illegally migrate by sea will be interdicted and returned to their country of origin,” said Lt. Cmdr. Cheri-Ann Thompson, Coast Guard District Seven. “These voyages are not only illegal, but also incredibly dangerous. No one should risk their lives on unsafe rustic vessels in unpredictable seas.”

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, migrants are processed to determine their identity and are provided food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention before repatriation to their country of origin or return to the country from which they departed.

For more information about Operation Vigilant Sentry including imagery, visit these links: