The Ministry of Interior (MININT) of Cuba has reported the discovery of two abandoned boats along the Cuban coast and has given the owners a 30-day period to claim them. The first discovery was made by the Harbormaster's Office of Nueva Gerona on June 22. A motorless boat was found on the beach of the Villa Linda Mar Hotel in Cayo Largo del Sur, as reported by the official newspaper Granma. The boat is predominantly white and blue, with a length of 4.80 meters, a beam of 1.10 meters, and a depth of 0.35 meters. The name "Panda" is inscribed on the port and starboard sides. The hull is made of plastic and bears the identification number TFT 2099, but lacks additional identifying information.
Meanwhile, the Harbormaster's Office of Cárdenas found another motorless boat, a Zodiac, on May 25, 2024, in the Juan Claro Canal in the Martí municipality, Matanzas province. This boat is gray with a red stripe, measuring 2.50 meters in length, 1.80 meters in beam, and 0.60 meters in depth. The name "Golden Ship" is visible on the port side, and the hull is made of rubber and plastic, with no further identifying details.
The Department of Harbormasters of the Border Guard Troops Directorate under MININT stated that according to Article 214, Paragraph (c) of Decree No. 317, individuals or entities who may have rights to these boats can claim ownership within 30 days of the information's publication in Granma on July 23. To do so, they must visit the respective Harbormaster's Offices and present legal documentation proving ownership or possession of the boats.
The offices in Nueva Gerona are located at Calle 31 s/n between 18 and 20, Nueva Gerona, Special Municipality of Isla de la Juventud. The offices in Matanzas are at Calle Céspedes Final, Cárdenas municipality. This discovery adds to similar incidents reported previously. In March 2024, several abandoned boats were found along the Cuban coast, and in September 2023, the government seized a jet ski and three other abandoned boats.
Each year, Cuban authorities find abandoned boats along the archipelago's shores. It is believed that these boats are often used by migrants attempting to reach southern Florida, conducting transfers at sea. Additionally, some boats are thought to have been owned by drug traffickers in the region, who abandon them when fleeing detection by authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abandoned Boats in Cuba
Here are some common questions and answers about the recent discovery of abandoned boats in Cuba, as reported by the Ministry of Interior (MININT).
What should boat owners do if they believe one of the found boats is theirs?
Owners should visit the respective Harbormaster's Offices in Nueva Gerona or Matanzas and present legal documentation proving ownership or possession within 30 days of the publication date in Granma.
What are the characteristics of the boats found?
One boat is white and blue, 4.80 meters long, with the name "Panda" inscribed, and a plastic hull. The other is a gray Zodiac with a red stripe, 2.50 meters long, named "Golden Ship," with a rubber and plastic hull.
Why are these boats often abandoned?
Abandoned boats are frequently used by migrants trying to reach Florida or by drug traffickers escaping detection by authorities.