Cuban authorities have reported the discovery of abandoned boats along the coasts of Guantánamo and Sancti Spíritus.
The Guantánamo Port Authority reported finding a Yola-type boat on March 27, 2024, in the Baitiquirí area, San Antonio del Sur municipality. The boat is white and blue, measuring 8 meters in length, 2.40 meters in beam, and 0.78 meters in depth. It is equipped with two 75 HP Yamaha outboard motors but lacks any identifying markings.
Meanwhile, the Casilda Port Authority in Sancti Spíritus reported discovering another Yola-type boat on March 29, 2024, in the Cayo Bretón area, Trinidad municipality. This boat features blue and gray as its predominant colors, with a length of 6.82 meters, a beam of 2.17 meters, and a depth of 0.75 meters. It has markings on the stern reading “El Fénix” 526-270CR and BPO10K21R1024-100.
Individuals or entities with ownership rights over these vessels are required to present themselves at the respective port authorities with documentation proving their ownership within 30 days of this official announcement's publication in Granma.
Every year, Cuban authorities find abandoned boats along the archipelago's coasts. It is believed that these vessels are often used by migrants attempting to reach South Florida, making transfers at sea. Additionally, some of these boats are thought to have belonged to regional drug traffickers who abandon them while evading law enforcement.
FAQs About Abandoned Boats in Cuba
To provide more insight into the issue of abandoned boats along Cuban coasts, here are some frequently asked questions.
Why are so many boats found abandoned on Cuban coasts?
Many of these boats are used by migrants attempting to reach South Florida, while others are abandoned by drug traffickers evading authorities.
What should boat owners do if their vessel is found abandoned?
Owners must present themselves at the respective port authorities with documentation proving ownership within 30 days of the announcement.
What are the characteristics of the boats found in Guantánamo and Sancti Spíritus?
The boat found in Guantánamo is white and blue, 8 meters long, with two 75 HP Yamaha motors. The one in Sancti Spíritus is blue and gray, 6.82 meters long, with markings "El Fénix" 526-270CR and BPO10K21R1024-100.