A group of 26 Cuban migrants managed to survive a shipwreck near the Mexican coast when their homemade vessel started to sink close to Isla Mujeres. The boat, damaged by water during its journey, began to submerge just a short distance from the shore, as reported by local outlet Radio Maya Internacional on Facebook.
According to the undocumented migrants' accounts, the raft sustained significant damage and started to go under. However, they were rescued by authorities with the assistance of Isla Mujeres' Port Captaincy personnel and local volunteers. They successfully towed the vessel to the shore, where it eventually ended up stranded near the whale shark monument. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, according to the consulted publications.
The migrants are now in the custody of Mexican authorities as they determine their legal status. This occurs amid the announcement by the country's president, Claudia Sheinbaun, to commence deportations of undocumented individuals in response to the new immigration restrictions at the U.S. border.
This incident marks the first arrival of Cuban rafters this year, a growing migration phenomenon in recent times due to the ongoing migration crisis affecting the island since 2021, as noted by La Tertulia on Facebook.
On January 4th, a group of eight rafters, believed to be Cuban, was rescued by the Mexican Navy in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard following their sighting in the Gulf of Mexico.
Cuban Migrants and Recent Developments
What caused the Cuban migrants' boat to sink near Isla Mujeres?
The boat, which was homemade, suffered significant water damage during the journey, causing it to partially submerge near the coast.
How were the Cuban migrants rescued?
Authorities, with help from Isla Mujeres' Port Captaincy personnel and local volunteers, managed to tow the vessel to shore, rescuing the migrants.
What is the current status of the Cuban migrants?
The migrants are currently under the custody of Mexican authorities, who are working to determine their legal status.