Seven Cuban rafters risked their lives and reached the shores of Isla Mujeres, east of Mexico, on Saturday morning, despite adverse weather conditions caused by a tropical wave and the proximity of the powerful Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean Sea.
The group landed near the MIA Reef Hotel in the northern part of this famous tourist destination close to the Yucatan Peninsula, as curious vacationers watched, according to a report from the Ninth Naval Region of the Mexican Navy, part of the Secretariat of the Navy.
"Despite the inclement weather and the danger they faced navigating in the midst of the storm," the Cubans "braved the rain, waves, and limited visibility, seeking an opportunity outside their country," reported Diario Cambio 22.
The Cuban migrants—all men—arrived on a makeshift, homemade boat that became stranded among the rocks behind the hotel, on the eastern shore of the island.
Municipal Police officers, along with personnel from the Marine Infantry and Naval Health services, responded to the tourists' alert and confirmed the rafters were in good health after a medical examination.
Authorities assured that "during the assistance to these foreign individuals, human rights were respected and upheld."
The names of the seven Cubans and the duration of their perilous journey to Mexico have not been disclosed.
The migrants "were transferred on a Defender-type boat from the Naval Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance Station (ENSAR) of Isla Mujeres to the Naval Station of Puerto Juárez, Quintana Roo.” There, they were handed over to authorities from the National Institute of Migration and International Health to carry out the necessary legal procedures during their stay in the country, according to the statement.
Last May, four rafters who survived a shipwreck in which four other Cubans died were rescued by Mexican fishermen after drifting at sea for 34 days. The Mexican government granted them residence cards for humanitarian reasons.
In another incident a month ago, naval personnel from the Secretariat of the Navy rescued 51 rafters on two rustic boats off the coast of Quintana Roo.
Cuban Rafters' Journey to Mexico
Here we address some common questions related to the journey and arrival of Cuban rafters in Mexico.
What prompted the Cuban rafters to undertake such a dangerous journey?
The Cuban rafters were seeking better opportunities and escaping the difficult living conditions in Cuba, risking their lives for a chance at a new start.
How did the Mexican authorities respond to their arrival?
Mexican authorities responded promptly, ensuring the rafters were in good health and respecting their human rights. They were taken to the appropriate facilities for legal processing.
What are the legal procedures for Cuban migrants in Mexico?
Cuban migrants are typically taken to the National Institute of Migration and International Health for necessary legal procedures, which may include medical examinations and processing for temporary or humanitarian residency.