U.S. Border Patrol agents and Coast Guard crews intercepted 24 Cuban migrants near Key West, Florida, last week after their makeshift boat approached U.S. shores. This incident is one of several recent interdictions highlighting the risks of maritime migration in the region.
Border Patrol Chief Jason D. Owens shared photos of the small, improvised vessel used by the migrants near Florida’s southernmost islands. The U.S. Coast Guard initially spotted the boat and alerted Border Patrol agents, who detained the migrants upon their arrival. Authorities emphasized the dangers of such crossings, often made in overcrowded, poorly constructed vessels.
In a separate operation, Coast Guard crews found 37 Cuban migrants stranded on islands near the Bahamas. An HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew detected the migrants and dropped food and water to sustain them until rescue teams arrived. The Cutter William Flores transported the group to the Bahamas for processing, underscoring ongoing international cooperation in managing migration.
A few days earlier, the crew of the Flores rescued 20 additional migrants and two dogs in another makeshift boat approximately 36 miles south of Key West. The vessel was spotted during routine patrols, a critical part of the Coast Guard’s mission to prevent unlawful maritime migration and ensure safety at sea.
Economic hardships and political instability in Cuba have contributed to an increase in migration attempts. Many individuals embark on these dangerous journeys, risking their lives in pursuit of better opportunities. U.S. authorities have repeatedly warned against attempting such crossings, citing unpredictable weather, strong currents, and the unseaworthiness of most vessels used in these attempts.
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to patrol the waters surrounding Florida and the Caribbean, working to prevent unlawful entry while providing humanitarian aid to those in distress. The agency remains committed to safeguarding lives and ensuring the orderly processing of migrants through international partnerships.
