MIAMI – After three separate incidents of people attempting to migrate illegally to the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 53 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabanas, Cuba.
"These illegal migrant ventures demonstrate just how risky and dangerous taking to the sea in unseaworthy vessels can be. We were fortunate to rescue these individuals and that their journey did not end tragically," said Cmdr. Tim Cronin, Coast Guard 7th District deputy chief of enforcement.
On Sept. 16, 15 Cubans were interdicted south of Houma, Louisiana. On Sept. 18, 29 Cubans were found on a vessel southeast of Key West. On Sept. 20, nine Cubans were found south of Mobile, Alabama.
"The Coast Guard, along with our Department of Homeland Security and local partners, will continue to prevent illegal maritime migration, rescue those who are in peril, and return migrants to their country of origin," Cronin said.