A Zodiac and a sailboat are among the vessels seized this year off the Cuban coast, with owners given a 20-day window to claim them, according to a statement released Saturday by the Cuban regime. The National Department of Port Captaincies announced through an official note in Granma the confiscation of several boats discovered across different parts of the country over the past year. These will be processed in accordance with Resolution No. 1/2015 by the Minister of the Interior, which governs the seizure of vessels found in the island's waters.
Among the seized boats is an unnamed white sailboat of U.S. origin, registered as GA6513SW. It measures 8.00 meters in length, 2.80 meters in beam, and has a depth of 1.98 meters, made from fiberglass. It is equipped with a stationary Yanmar 1 CI engine, 25 HP, lacking a serial number. This boat was found on November 2, 2023, in the area known as Rincón del Sijú, Mantua municipality, in Pinar del Río province.
Additionally, an unnamed boat measuring 6.00 meters in length, 2.50 meters in beam, and 1.00 meter in depth, constructed from fiberglass, was discovered. It has an outboard Yamaha engine, 2 cylinders, 75 HP. This discovery occurred on December 30, 2023, in the Canalizo de San Silindran, Martí municipality, Matanzas province.
Lastly, a Zodiac branded Goldenship, measuring 2.50 meters in length, 1.80 meters in beam, and with a depth of 0.60 meters, featuring a gray plastic and rubber hull with a red stripe, was found. This vessel lacked an engine and was discovered on May 25, 2024, in the Canalizo de Juan Claro, Cárdenas municipality, Matanzas province.
Claim Process and Legal Framework
Individuals affected by the resolutions permitting the Cuban regime to confiscate these vessels have the right to submit a written claim to the Head of the Directorate of Border Guard Troops. This must be done within 20 calendar days following the official publication in a national media outlet, the note specifies.
The seizure of vessels found in Cuban waters is justified under current regulations aimed at ensuring the island's maritime safety and sovereignty, according to the Havana regime. The Border Guard Troops, operating under the Ministry of the Interior, are tasked with the detection, management, and disposal of these vessels.
Context of Maritime Seizures
These recent discoveries add to similar incidents reported previously. In March 2024, several abandoned vessels were found along Cuban shores, and in September 2023, the government seized a jet ski and three deserted boats.
Cuban authorities suspect these boats are frequently used by migrants attempting to reach southern Florida, often conducting transfers at sea. Additionally, some vessels are reportedly linked to drug traffickers in the region who abandon boats during escape attempts when detected by authorities.