The Secretariat of the Navy announced this Friday that naval personnel from the entity rescued 51 Cuban rafters who were aboard two rustic vessels off the coast of Quintana Roo.
The rescue was carried out by the Mexican Navy in its role as Coast Guard, through the Ninth Naval Region. They reported that the migrants "were aboard two small, handcrafted boats" four nautical miles (7 kilometers) north of Isla Mujeres, in the mentioned Mexican state.
Agents from this force received an emergency call at the Command and Control Center of the Ninth Naval Region, informing them of the presence of the boats, overloaded with 51 Cubans, according to local media TV Quintana Roo.
Immediately, an Interceptor Patrol and two Defender-type boats from the Naval Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance Station (ENSAR) Isla Mujeres were dispatched to the area to rescue the travelers.
After being rescued, the Cubans were attended to by Naval Health personnel, and after a check-up, it was determined that they were stable and in good health.
Mexico assured that it had respected "the human rights of the assisted individuals."
The migrants were then transferred to the Advanced Naval Station in Puerto Juárez, Quintana Roo, and handed over to the authorities of the National Institute of Migration.
FAQs on the Cuban Rafters Rescue Near Mexican Coast
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent rescue of Cuban rafters near the coast of Mexico, providing more insights into the incident and its aftermath.
How were the Cuban rafters located?
The Cuban rafters were located after the Ninth Naval Region received an emergency call about the presence of overloaded boats near Isla Mujeres.
What type of vessels were the Cuban rafters using?
The Cuban rafters were using two small, handcrafted boats.
What measures were taken to ensure the health of the rescued individuals?
Naval Health personnel attended to the rescued individuals, and after a check-up, determined that they were stable and in good health.
Where were the rescued Cuban rafters taken?
The rescued Cuban rafters were transferred to the Advanced Naval Station in Puerto Juárez, Quintana Roo, and handed over to the National Institute of Migration.