Relatives of eight Cuban rafters have raised alarms over the group's disappearance after they set sail from Pinar del Río bound for Mexico. This was reported by journalist Mario J. Pentón, following conversations with the migrants' families.
According to these accounts, the travelers embarked on their journey on the 18th of February, and since that time, there has been "absolutely no" information about their whereabouts.
Preliminary information suggests that the missing individuals consist of four men and four women.
Pentón's report indicates that the alert came from family members, who stated that they have not received any updates from the group after the vessel's departure.
"Just a few minutes ago, I spoke with families of a group of eight rafters—yes, eight rafters—who departed from Pinar del Río heading to Mexico. They left on the 18th, as their families informed me, and have since vanished," Pentón narrated in the transcribed material.
The journalist also mentioned that his team is actively gathering more information regarding the situation.
"We will have all the details at Martí Noticias. We're currently engaging with the families," he said, while also teasing the release of images of some of the missing individuals.
So far, the identities of the eight rafters, the type of vessel they were traveling in, the exact departure point from Pinar del Río, and the circumstances under which contact was lost remain undisclosed.
On February 22, 2026, another group of Cuban rafters was reported missing in the Caribbean while attempting to reach Mexico in a rudimentary boat.
This led to a search operation by the Mexican Navy in the Banco Chinchorro area, in Quintana Roo, where naval units and specialized personnel conducted maritime patrols to locate the vessel or its passengers.
Reports at the time indicated that the migrants had left Cuba a few days earlier, but contact with the boat was lost amid adverse weather conditions, characterized by the arrival of a cold front that brought strong winds and high waves to the region.
Mexican authorities have urged fishermen and navigators to report any sightings that might aid in the rescue efforts. It remains unclear if this is the same group of rafters.
This incident adds to a series of recent events related to the perilous maritime route many Cuban migrants take in hopes of reaching Mexico or the United States. Such journeys are often undertaken in makeshift vessels and frequently end in shipwrecks, rescues, or disappearances at sea.
Questions about Cuban Rafters' Disappearance
What is known about the missing Cuban rafters?
The missing rafters include four men and four women who departed from Pinar del Río on February 18, headed for Mexico. There has been no contact with them since their departure.
What efforts are being made to locate the missing group?
The Mexican Navy has launched a search operation in the Banco Chinchorro area, with naval units and specialized personnel conducting patrols to find the vessel or its occupants.