Amidst a severe migration crisis that has driven over half a million Cubans to embark on perilous journeys toward the United States, the anguish and sorrow of numerous mothers remain palpable. Almost two years have passed since their children vanished, yet their search for answers about their whereabouts continues. These young individuals set out on makeshift rafts, hoping to find a better life in the U.S., but never reached their destination.
Three mothers from Cárdenas, located in Matanzas province, shared their harrowing stories with the French Press Agency (AFP), criticizing the government's inadequate response in a country where illegal immigration is criminalized. They spoke of their torment over the so-called "invisible shipwrecks," incidents where Cuban migrants attempt to reach the U.S. in fragile vessels and disappear without a trace.
Amparo Rivera recounted her experience, explaining that her son, Yoel Romero, aged 43, embarked on January 3, 2023, toward the U.S. on a raft. Over a year has passed since his disappearance, and Amparo continues to await answers. "We need to know, in whatever condition they are in," she stated, her voice breaking.
The raft carrying Yoel Romero departed from Playa Larga in Matanzas, alongside 30 others. Among the group was an eight-year-old girl, a family of six from Camagüey, and a couple from Cienfuegos who left their children behind to shield them from the journey's dangers. They all vanished at sea.
Idalmis Tirado, another mother who lost her son, Dariel Alejandro Chacón, 27, recounted that four days after his departure, the raft washed ashore in Cayo Largo, Florida, along with Dariel's bag containing his belongings, including some cookies she had given him. A few weeks later, a second bag was found over a kilometer from the initial discovery. Since then, Idalmis has been in a constant search, but answers remain elusive.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 1,100 Cuban migrants have drowned in the Caribbean since 2020 in these shipwrecks. The most tragic year was 2022, with over 130 deaths. The IOM also refers to these as "invisible shipwrecks," where migrants vanish without a trace, leaving authorities and the media with little concrete information.
In the context of Cuba's escalating migration crisis, which intensified in 2021, a climatic point was reached in 2023 when at least 368 island migrants perished while trying to reach the United States, as reported by the IOM.
Families of those missing since January 2023, have heard scattered rumors that some rafters might have been rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard or seen at the Guantanamo naval base, but they have been unable to confirm these claims. The lack of resources to investigate and minimal coverage of these tragedies have left many families without news, trapped in despair.
Understanding Cuba's Migration Crisis
What are "invisible shipwrecks"?
"Invisible shipwrecks" refer to incidents where Cuban migrants attempting to reach the United States disappear at sea without leaving any trace, often due to the precarious nature of their vessels.
How many Cuban migrants have died in the Caribbean since 2020?
The International Organization for Migration reports that at least 1,100 Cuban migrants have drowned in the Caribbean since 2020.
Why do Cuban families struggle to find out information about their missing loved ones?
Families face difficulties due to a lack of resources for investigation, minimal media coverage, and limited information from authorities about the missing migrants.