Cuban maritime authorities have reported the discovery of an abandoned vessel in the northern region of Camagüey and have publicly called for any potential owners or lawful possessors to come forward to assert their rights over the property.
According to an announcement in the Granma newspaper, the Port Authority of Nuevitas revealed that the boat was found on December 3, 2025, in Cayo Cruz, an area within the municipality of Esmeralda.
The speedboat was located following the directives of Article 214, section c), of Decree No. 317, which regulates the Maritime, River, and Lake Navigation Law of the Republic of Cuba.
The discovered vessel is a fast boat powered by a Yamaha outboard engine with 175 horsepower and four cylinders.
The boat features a white fiberglass hull and a blue deck. It measures 6.10 meters in length, 2.25 meters in width, and 0.60 meters in depth.
Both sides of the bow display identifying marks: the starboard side bears the label “Cynthia SLI534,” while the port side shows the code "FDC 002123."
Individuals or entities who believe they have a claim to this marine craft must present themselves to the Port Authority of Nuevitas, located at Coronel Tarafa, Reparto Tarafa, Nuevitas municipality, Camagüey province.
The deadline for such claims is 30 calendar days from the date of the official notice. Claimants must provide documentation proving their legal ownership or possession of the vessel.
Maritime Abandonments: A Recurring Issue
Each year, the shores of the Cuban archipelago report numerous cases of abandoned or drifting boats.
Official sources suggest that many of these speedboats have been used by migrants attempting to reach southern Florida, often engaging in mid-sea transfers during their journeys.
Additionally, it has been noted that some of these vessels might have been owned by regional drug traffickers who occasionally abandon their boats while evading authorities.
Questions About Abandoned Boats in Cuba
Why are boats often found abandoned on Cuban shores?
Boats are frequently found abandoned on Cuban shores due to their use by migrants trying to reach Florida and by drug traffickers evading capture.
What steps should individuals take if they believe they own an abandoned vessel?
Individuals who believe they own an abandoned vessel should present themselves to the local port authority with legal documentation proving ownership within the stipulated timeframe.