US Coast Guard continues to repatriate Cuban migrants

MIAMI, Sept. 1, CMC – Crew-members aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Kodiak Island have repatriated 23 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, in the latest repatriation efforts. In a release on Friday, the US Coast Guard said the repatriation was a result of three migrant interdiction cases.



It said Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West, Florida, said two weeks ago, they received a report from the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell of a raft south of Marquesas Key, Florida,the cutter Margaret Norvell boatcrew launched their smallboat and safely embarked two Cuban migrants.



The second migrant interdiction occurred on Monday after watchstanders at Coast Guard Seventh District Command Center in Miami received a report from a “Good Samaritan” aboard a motor vessel of a rustic vessel south of Dry Tortugas, Florida.



An HC-144 Ocean Sentry Aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Miami diverted and located the vessel with nine Cuban migrants who were later transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Knight Island .



The third migrant interdiction also occurred on Monday with reports of another motor vessel with 13 Cuban migrants.



All 23 migrants were then transferred to the cutter Kodiak Island for repatriation.



“The United States Coast Guard’s day-to-day critical missions, including migrant interdiction operations, remain steadfast,” said Capt. Brendan McPherson, 7th Coast Guard District chief of Response.



“We continue to patrol vigilantly to rescue and repatriate undocumented migrants who take to the sea, and together with our partner agencies, will vigorously investigate and prosecute migrant smuggling and associated crimes,” he added.



McPherson said once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.