A video shared on Instagram this past Sunday by Humberto Miranda has captured the essence of Cuban history in under a minute: while on a boat in Miami, his daughter asks why Cubans have such a passion for boating, and his heartfelt response has become a touching lesson on freedom that has resonated with thousands.
In the 54-second clip recorded in Miami, Miranda explains to his daughter something that might seem obvious to many exiled Cubans but remains unfamiliar to younger generations raised in the United States: in Cuba, taking a boat ride was both prohibited and perilous.
"In Cuba, we were not allowed to board boats. We couldn’t even think of it. Anyone who got on a boat was heading to the States, going north," Miranda explains to the camera, with the Miami waters glistening in the background.
The prohibition he describes is not an exaggeration. Ever since the 1959 Revolution, the Cuban regime has tightly regulated access to private watercraft to prevent mass maritime escapes.
The Harsh Reality of Cuba’s Restrictions
Decree-Law 194 dictates that vessels deemed "illegal" are restricted from traveling more than half a nautical mile from the shore and are subject to seizure. Illegal departures by sea can result in up to three years in prison, or more for repeat offenders, according to the Cuban Penal Code.
This oppressive backdrop transforms boating into something far more significant than a mere leisure activity. As Miranda tells his daughter, "This is freedom. It might seem like economic freedom, or even trivial, but never let anyone, absolutely no one, tell you that you can’t buy a boat."
The Dangerous Crossing to Freedom
The Florida Straits—about 90 miles between Havana and Key West—have long been one of the hemisphere's most treacherous escape routes. It is estimated that over 20,000 Cubans have perished attempting to make this perilous crossing.
Miranda concludes his poignant explanation with a message for both his daughter and all Cubans in the diaspora: "That’s why we’re in a land of freedom, that’s why I brought you to a land of freedom. It’s crucial to show the kids where we’re living."
Understanding Cuban Boating Culture in Miami
Why is boating so significant to Cubans in Miami?
For many Cubans in Miami, boating symbolizes freedom and the stark contrast to the restrictions they experienced in Cuba, where access to boats was heavily controlled to prevent escapes.
What were the consequences of trying to leave Cuba by boat?
Attempting to leave Cuba by boat illegally could lead to imprisonment for up to three years, or potentially longer for repeat offenders, under Cuban law.
How many Cubans have died trying to cross the Florida Straits?
It is estimated that more than 20,000 Cubans have died attempting to cross the Florida Straits, a testament to the perilous nature of this escape route.