The town of Niquero in Granma Province is reeling from the heart-wrenching news of four local youths who perished in a tragic accident while attempting to reach the United States on a homemade raft. The victims, identified as Alba Parrado Meriño, Leandro López, Adrián Matos Maceo, and a young man known as "José," had harbored dreams of a better life and sought to provide for their families.
On social media, Niquero residents and Cubans living abroad poured out their grief. "It's devastating to see every dream and hope vanish in an instant. Rest in peace," shared one user on Facebook. Another mourned, "My dear, the pain you've left us with is unbearable."
Questions Surrounding the Tragedy
Details surrounding the accident remain unclear, although it might be linked to a previous report of a vessel that departed from Playa Menéndez in Martí (Matanzas) and met disaster in the Florida Straits. Independent outlets such as Martí Noticias and elToque revealed that a speedboat, allegedly involved in migrant smuggling, collided with another boat, leaving at least 24 individuals missing and numerous fatalities.
Survivors’ Ordeal
According to anonymous sources, some survivors endured up to a week adrift before being rescued and subsequently repatriated to Cuba. They are currently held in an investigative unit in Matanzas as authorities delve into the incident. The Cuban government's silence has left many questions unanswered: Was this a singular tragedy or part of multiple incidents? What is the true victim count?
Ongoing Exodus
In a separate incident just the previous week, another disastrous voyage on November 23 claimed the lives of at least two individuals, including a 17-year-old teenager. These heartbreaking events underscore the escalating exodus of Cubans risking their lives in pursuit of a brighter future beyond the island's shores.