A group of Cuban migrants successfully reached the shores of Playa Mujeres in Cancún, Mexico, early Tuesday morning. According to Cambio 22, these migrants arrived at a spot known as El Riíto on Playa Norte before dawn, with at least 25 individuals attempting to slip away under the cover of darkness.
Local media shared images on social networks showcasing the makeshift vessel, highlighting the cramped conditions faced by the Cuban migrants. Personal belongings were left behind in the boat as the occupants made a hurried attempt to flee upon reaching land, though not all managed to escape.
The Perilous Journey to Mexican Shores
Reports from local press indicate that in their quest to reach land, the migrants navigated a rocky area near the MIA Reef hotel, eventually coming ashore and leaving their vessel stranded on the beach of Villa Kin hotel. Although not confirmed at the time of writing, at least a dozen of these migrants were reportedly detained by Mexican authorities.
Ongoing Risky Ventures
This incident marks another attempt by Cubans to reach Mexico or the United States by sea, despite the ever-present risk of being returned to Cuba, not to mention the inherent dangers of maritime journeys. Just last August, a group of 31 Cuban migrants, including a child, was intercepted off the coast of Quintana Roo while attempting to reach Mexico in a fragile boat.
The migrants, consisting of nine women, 21 men, and a minor, were aboard a small vessel with an inboard motor that became adrift approximately 222 kilometers north of Isla Mujeres. Fortunately, all were found to be in good health. The operation was conducted by the Ninth Naval Region after receiving a notification from a foreign tanker that had spotted the migrants adrift in the ocean.
In the same month, Mexican authorities discovered an abandoned vessel belonging to Cuban migrants along the coast, suggesting that some individuals managed to evade capture by the authorities.