A Cuban man stumbled upon an old raft washed up on a beach, with its contents remarkably intact, despite the vessel being left abandoned for years following a failed escape from Cuba. The discovery, featured in a TikTok video by user @cubanos_tv, shows the makeshift boat stranded on the shore. The man filming, both incredulous and nostalgic, remarks, “It still has clothes, backpacks, and even food. There are four batteries and the fuel tank is still here.”
The raft's discovery stirred mixed emotions. As he inspects the inside, filled with jugs, backpacks, ropes, and personal items, he wonders aloud, “Who might have come on this?”
One poignant comment, laden with social critique, came from a viewer who mused, “Now they're bickering over I-220A and parole…”, highlighting the divisions among Cuban migrants in the U.S. due to various migration and legalization pathways.
The video, which has garnered thousands of views and comments, underscores the harsh realities of the Cuban exodus by sea—a persistent phenomenon in the nation’s recent history. It stands as a tangible reminder of the perils faced by those who risk everything for freedom and better prospects.
Currently, details about the exact date or location of the raft's discovery remain unknown, but it has sparked significant interest among netizens, especially within the Cuban community both on the island and abroad.
Understanding the Cuban Migrant Experience
What was found inside the abandoned raft?
The raft contained clothes, backpacks, food, four batteries, and a still-intact fuel tank.
Why does the discovery of the raft evoke mixed reactions?
The raft evokes mixed reactions as it serves as a reminder of the perilous journeys undertaken by Cubans seeking freedom, while also highlighting current divisions among Cuban migrants in the U.S. over different migration statuses.