The United States Coast Guard (USCG) successfully rescued two groups of stranded Cuban migrants between Thursday and Friday on Cay Sal Bank and Anguilla Cay, islands that are part of the Bahamas. By Sunday, the crew of the cutter William Flores had safely transported the 37 migrants to Bahamian territory after both rescue operations were completed.
The initial alert came on Thursday when an air station crew from the Coast Guard in Miami informed Key West sector watchstanders about a group of individuals at Cay Sal Bank signaling distress by waving their arms. The following day, on January 10, the HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft reported another group of stranded migrants on Anguilla Cay, according to a Coast Guard statement.
During the second incident, the migrants were provided with water, food, and a radio to maintain communication while the rescue was being coordinated. At the request of Bahamian authorities, the crew from the cutter Northland was dispatched to both locations to pick up the migrants, prioritizing their safety given the dangers of remaining in open waters.
Once aboard the Coast Guard vessel, the migrants received food, water, shelter, and basic medical care before being processed for repatriation to the Bahamas. Lieutenant Connor Pascale, the Coast Guard liaison officer for the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized that the Coast Guard's mission in the region is to save lives and deter perilous journeys made in unseaworthy vessels. "These illegal migration trips endanger the lives of individuals and their loved ones," Pascale stated.
These operations are part of the Coast Guard and Southeast Homeland Security Task Force's ongoing efforts to patrol critical areas such as the Straits of Florida, Windward Passage, and the Mona Passage, safeguarding maritime security and preventing illegal sea entry into the United States and its territories.
Repatriations of Cuban Nationals from Bahamas
On January 4, Bahamian authorities conducted the first deportation operation of irregular migrants in 2025, resulting in 19 Cuban nationals (16 men and three women) being repatriated via the José Martí International Airport in Havana. The information was confirmed by Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT) through a social media post. The deported migrants primarily hailed from the province of Ciego de Ávila, with reports of returns from other regions such as Mayabeque and various central provinces of the country.
This operation marked the beginning of repatriations for this year, continuing the practice of returning irregular migrants that has been prevalent in recent years amid an unprecedented migration crisis facing the island since 2021. In 2024, a total of 93 deportation operations were recorded from various Latin American and Caribbean countries, with 1,384 Cubans returned to the island, according to MININT data.
Understanding the US Coast Guard's Role in Migrant Rescues
What is the primary mission of the US Coast Guard in the Bahamas?
The primary mission of the US Coast Guard in the Bahamas is to save lives and deter dangerous journeys made by migrants in unseaworthy vessels.
How does the US Coast Guard ensure the safety of rescued migrants?
The US Coast Guard ensures the safety of rescued migrants by providing them with food, water, shelter, and basic medical care before processing them for repatriation.
What areas does the Coast Guard patrol to prevent illegal sea entry?
The Coast Guard patrols critical areas such as the Straits of Florida, Windward Passage, and the Mona Passage to safeguard maritime security and prevent illegal sea entry into the United States and its territories.