An improvised vessel, seemingly crafted from plastic barrels and topped with a blue tarp, was spotted floating near the Miami Beach shoreline on Friday morning. A widely shared video on the Instagram account @OnlyInDade captured the raft slowly making its way towards land, prompting users to speculate about its origins.
Recorded at approximately 7:49 a.m., the footage garnered the attention of numerous online viewers. Many quickly connected the raft to a possible journey by Cuban migrants traversing the Florida Strait in the pursuit of freedom and better opportunities.
While the video did not reveal how many people were under the tarp, one shot showed a man paddling with a single oar towards the shore. As of the time of this report, there is no official confirmation from authorities, nor is there concrete evidence linking the raft to Cuban nationals. Nevertheless, social media discussions leaned heavily towards this possibility.
Some users praised the "ingenuity" behind the makeshift vessel, noting the clever use of blue to blend with the sea, while others made light of Miami's housing crisis, joking that it was a "floating rental home."
The video caption asked, “Can anyone tell us what’s happening here?” sparking a flurry of supportive, humorous, indignant, and politically charged responses.
Mixed Reactions to the Raft Sighting
In less than a day, comments on the video surpassed 400, showcasing a mix of emotions and divided opinions. Many users expressed admiration and empathy for what they perceived as an act of bravery. "Congratulations, such courage," one commenter wrote, while another confidently claimed, "Brother, those are rafters from Cuba."
Supportive messages were interwoven with remarks highlighting the construction's ingenuity and the harsh reality it might signify. Some humorously dubbed the raft "the new stealth destroyer of the Cuban navy," or enthusiastically welcomed the rafters: "Welcome to the land of freedom, Cubans fleeing from that evil dictatorship, God bless you."
However, not everyone shared this interpretation. Some doubted it was migrants, speculating it could be the work of a homeless person seeking refuge at sea, or perhaps an influencer shooting content, given the relaxed demeanor of the person aboard and the raft's proximity to urban areas like the bustling surroundings of Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami Bay.
To date, neither the U.S. Coast Guard nor local authorities have issued statements regarding the vessel's origin or destination. Yet, the scene serves as a stark reminder of a persistent reality: perilous raft journeys remain a desperate escape route for many Cubans fleeing the country's crisis.
Despite Strict Measures, Cuban Rafters Continue Reaching Florida
Despite the tightening of immigration policies and increased border controls by U.S. authorities, many Cubans continue to risk their lives on hazardous sea voyages to escape the island. The economic and social crisis in Cuba drives many to seek a better future, often facing the dangers of the sea and the possibility of repatriation.
In January 2025, a group of 20 Cuban migrants arrived in Key West aboard a wooden boat. Although they were detained and face deportation proceedings, their arrival underscores the persistence of these attempts. Just days earlier, another nine Cuban rafters also reached Florida's shores, only to be detained by authorities. In December of the previous year, 18 Cuban migrants landed in Key West, with two requiring hospitalization due to dehydration.
The maritime journey from Cuba to the United States has claimed numerous lives. By August 2024, at least 142 Cuban rafters had perished attempting to reach Miami, according to a report by the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) Missing Migrants Program. Despite the risks, many Cubans continue embarking on this perilous journey in search of improved living conditions.
Understanding the Cuban Raft Exodus
Why do Cuban migrants use rafts to reach the United States?
Cuban migrants often resort to using rafts due to the severe economic and social crisis in Cuba. Despite the dangers, they seek better opportunities and freedoms in the United States.
What are the risks involved in crossing the Florida Strait by raft?
The journey is perilous, with risks including harsh weather, strong ocean currents, and the possibility of capsizing. Many have lost their lives attempting the crossing.
How have U.S. immigration policies impacted Cuban migrants?
U.S. immigration policies have become stricter, making it more challenging for Cuban migrants to gain entry and increasing the likelihood of repatriation upon arrival.