Cuban authorities have apprehended a boat arriving from Mexico, carrying two Cuban nationals. The vessel is suspected to have been intended for orchestrating an illegal departure from the coast of Pinar del Río.
The pro-government page, De Pinar Soy, associated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), announced on Facebook this Thursday that border guard forces, in collaboration with police and other local authorities, seized a foreign vessel near Cabo de San Antonio, the westernmost tip of Cuba.
According to the report, the boat was manned by two Cuban citizens residing in Mexico, who allegedly arrived on the island to facilitate an unauthorized maritime departure.
Currently, both individuals are under arrest, as stated by the regime's spokesperson profile.
The publication further mentioned that the detained pair will face prosecution in line with Cuban law, which harshly penalizes unauthorized exits from the country.
The profile emphasized that while migration "is not a crime when conducted legally," in Cuba, it becomes "particularly challenging" due to restrictions imposed by the United States, mirroring the regime's official narrative regarding the reasons behind the exodus.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those involved, but witnesses cited by the same page described the operation as having taken place in a remote coastal area.
In recent months, Cuban authorities have intensified operations against illegal maritime departures. The government has recently confiscated several boats found in Matanzas, hidden in coastal areas and allegedly intended for illegal departures abroad.
Similarly, it was reported that the Ministry of the Interior has seized other boats discovered at various locations across the country, without specifying details on their owners or intended destinations.
The authorities reiterated that these discoveries are part of efforts to prevent actions deemed illegal under national law.
Last year, MININT reported finding abandoned boats along coastal areas, indicating that many are left behind after failed attempts at human trafficking or when logistical operations to pick up migrants fall through.
Understanding Cuba's Maritime Restrictions
What are the consequences of unauthorized departures from Cuba?
Unauthorized departures from Cuba are severely punished under Cuban law, with individuals facing legal prosecution and potential imprisonment.
Why is migration particularly difficult in Cuba?
Migration is challenging in Cuba due to restrictive policies imposed by the government and additional constraints linked to U.S. regulations, as per the official government stance.
Have there been other recent maritime operations by Cuban authorities?
Yes, Cuban authorities have recently intensified their operations, seizing several boats intended for illegal departures and conducting similar actions across various coastal regions.