Anxiety is mounting in Niquero. Despite unverified claims circulating on social media that the bodies of the missing Cubans en route to Jamaica have been discovered, families remain adamant that no official rescue has been confirmed. Jamaican authorities are reportedly continuing their search efforts both by sea and land.
In a Facebook video, Yariennis Guevara Tamayo, a relative of three missing individuals, refuted the online rumors and urged the public to “avoid being misled by fabricated news.”
“We are in touch with the people in Jamaica. They have assured us they will not cease their search, but so far, nothing has been found, no bodies or remains,” Guevara stated.
“We will relay any updates they provide. Please, back in Niquero… help us. There are mothers suffering,” she pleaded.
Tragic Attempt to Escape
At least 16 individuals from the province of Granma have been unaccounted for since Sunday. They embarked on three makeshift boats aiming to reach Montego Bay in Jamaica, according to Guevara's confirmation to CiberCuba.
The vessels departed from Palma de la Cruz, a coastal area in Niquero where residents report several groups have recently attempted to flee to Jamaica, escaping hunger, unemployment, and a bleak future in Cuba.
During the crossing, the boats became separated. The skiff carrying Guevara’s three relatives capsized near the Jamaican coast, but thus far, there is no evidence of rescues, bodies, or debris.
“We need help… search around Cabo Cruz and near Jamaica. We can't take it anymore,” the young woman implored. “My aunt lost her two sons and the father of one of them. People are desperate, crying in the streets.”
Lack of Official Response
Neither Cuban nor Jamaican officials have issued any public statements. There are no reports of rescue operations in the Caribbean Sea, despite families in Cuba and abroad sending messages, emails, and calls without receiving any replies.
“The phones go unanswered, nobody says anything,” Guevara lamented. The situation is exacerbated by misinformation.
The missing include young and adult individuals from Niquero, Las Coloradas, and Palma de la Cruz. Among them:
- Idionis Bilte, 28 years
- Yoni Alejandro Tamayo, 18 years
- Omar Guevara Pérez, 50 years
- Danni Guevara Tamayo, 28 years
All departed under extremely precarious conditions, facing a cold front and rough seas, Guevara explained.
“There was a cold front, the sea was very rough, the waves were high… and it seems the skiff overturned,” she recounted.
From Jamaica, some Cubans residing there have attempted to contact coast guards and local authorities, but have received no confirmation.
Search and Rescue Efforts in Caribbean Waters
What is the current status of the missing Cubans?
As of now, there have been no confirmed rescues or discoveries of bodies related to the missing Cubans who attempted to reach Jamaica.
Have any official statements been made by authorities?
No public statements have been released by either Cuban or Jamaican authorities regarding the search and rescue operations.
What efforts are being made to locate the missing individuals?
Jamaican authorities reportedly continue to search by land and sea, although specific rescue operations have not been detailed.