Seven Cuban rafters who arrived in the Cayman Islands on May 8 and chose to continue their journey are currently missing. A family member of one of them wrote to our editorial team seeking information about their whereabouts. According to the relative, the group consists of seven men from Camagüey who were heading towards Mexico.
"These rafters left Cuba on May 3 from Santa Cruz del Sur, Camagüey, aiming for Cancún, Mexico. On May 8, it was reported by CiberCuba that they had arrived in the Cayman Islands but had requested to continue their journey. Since then, we have heard nothing from them," the message's author recounted.
"There are seven men. Among them is my uncle, José Luis Vázquez López, 48 years old, from the province of Camagüey," the relative added. "Please, any information or dissemination about these seven missing rafters would be greatly appreciated," concluded the message.
About two weeks ago, the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC) reported that on May 8, seven migrants arrived in the Cayman Islands aboard a homemade vessel. The small boat was spotted off the Queens Highway at approximately 5:30 am. CBC and its associated agencies responded to the scene, but the rafters expressed their desire to continue their journey, so the authorities monitored them until they were out of radar range.
"Around 9:30 am, the vessel was heading WNW off the coast of Cobalt, West Bay, approximately 2 miles from the shore, moving west at around 2-3 knots. The vessel was monitored by CBC from land until it was out of sight," the entity emphasized on Facebook.
In the Cayman Islands, a British overseas territory located south of Cuba, dozens of Cuban migrants spend years awaiting the results of their asylum applications, often in prisons and forced into poorly paid labor. In January 2023, the authorities of the Cayman Islands and Cuba agreed to resume deportation flights. Cuban rafters continue to arrive on their shores, and faced with reports of mistreatment in detention centers and deportations, many choose to continue their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Missing Cuban Rafters
Here are some frequently asked questions about the current situation of the missing Cuban rafters who continued their journey from the Cayman Islands on May 8.
When did the Cuban rafters go missing?
The Cuban rafters went missing on May 8, after deciding to continue their journey from the Cayman Islands.
Where were the Cuban rafters heading?
The rafters were heading towards Cancún, Mexico, after leaving Santa Cruz del Sur, Camagüey, Cuba.
What actions did the Cayman Islands authorities take?
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC) monitored the rafters' vessel until it was out of sight, respecting their decision to continue their journey.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in the Cayman Islands?
Cuban migrants in the Cayman Islands often spend years waiting for asylum decisions, facing imprisonment and forced labor under poor conditions.