Six Cubans returned to the island after two maritime operations

The U.S. Coast Guard returned six people to Cuba after two operations in the Florida Straits. The repatriation took place aboard the cutter USCGC Isaac Mayo, according to the service.

The first operation occurred Thursday, October 8, when a Customs and Border Protection aircraft detected a makeshift vessel southwest of Cay Sal in the Bahamas. An HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft located the craft, and the crew of USCGC Raymond Evans brought three Cuban men aboard. One was evacuated to land for specialized medical care.

In the second operation, on Sunday, October 11, a U.S. aircraft detected a disabled Cuban fishing boat with four people aboard about 46 nautical miles southeast of Key West. The Isaac Mayo responded and rescued the occupants.

The two operations involved seven people. Six were repatriated to Cuba; the man evacuated during the first operation was not part of the return. Capt. Aaron Ortenzio, commander of Coast Guard Air Station Miami, said crews remain vigilant to protect maritime borders and assist people in danger.

The Coast Guard said intercepted people receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention while their identities are verified and procedures are completed. The operations are part of Vigilant Sentry, a surveillance mission combining air, land and sea resources.