Elizabet Tuñón is enduring the most challenging days of her life since the disappearance of her son, William Tamayo Tuñón, 41, who went missing at sea alongside 17-year-old Alejandro Peñafuerte. William left his home in Martí, Matanzas, on a Monday afternoon, reportedly to fish, but suspicions suggest he may have boarded a speedboat heading to the United States. Since then, silence and speculation have been her only companions.
"I am William Tamayo Tuñón's mother. My son has been missing since Monday at 2:00 p.m. when he left to fish with Alejandro Peñafuerte. We've heard nothing since. We've been told he drowned, but we know nothing for sure. I'm desperate," Elizabet shared with Martí Noticias.
William, a father to two young children aged 15 and 5, was accustomed to fishing along Cuba's northern coast. His departure that day seemed routine to his family, who expected him back in a few days once he ran out of ice to preserve the fish. Unfortunately, this time he did not return.
The Agonizing Wait for News
Each passing hour without definitive news intensifies the mother's anguish. "Hope is all we have left, no matter how harsh this situation is. My son had a tattoo with his children's names and others on his leg. We just want to know what happened. I'm shattered," Elizabet expressed.
A Family in Limbo
The uncertainty surrounding William and Alejandro's case has plunged their families into constant turmoil. Yaniuska González, the mother of Tamayo Tuñón's children, also seeks answers. "The kids are really struggling. This is incredibly tough for us. We urge the U.S. Coast Guard or anyone with information to provide us with some official word," she pleaded.
The family has been met with conflicting stories about the events. Some rumors suggest a boating accident that left only one of the boatmen alive, while others claim there are three survivors. Yet, none of these accounts have been confirmed by authorities.
"The Cuban police searched without success, and the U.S. Border Patrol said they have no information on them. We don't know who else to turn to," González added.
The U.S. Coast Guard has stated they are investigating the case following a media inquiry, but there have been no concrete leads on the whereabouts of the missing individuals.