Photo: Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
Marathon, FL - In a recent maritime operation, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a vessel overloaded with Haitian migrants attempting to reach the United States.
According to an official press release from the U.S. Coast Guard, on February 5th, a 30-foot sailing vessel carrying 132 individuals was detected approximately 50 miles southeast of Marathon, Florida, between Cuba and Cay Sal Bank.
The vessel was first spotted by aircrews from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations based in Jacksonville and a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 aircraft.
These aircrews alerted Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders to the vessel's presence.
Upon interception, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba provided the individuals aboard with food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention.
Following these humanitarian efforts, all 132 individuals were repatriated to Haiti on February 10th.
Lieutenant Zane Carter, an enforcement officer with Coast Guard District Seven, emphasized the agency's commitment to maintaining maritime security.
He stated, "The Coast Guard will continue to prioritize strengthening our domestic integrity and disrupting attempts to enter the United States illegally by sea. We are steadfast in our mission to safeguard America by securing our maritime borders."
This incident is part of a broader trend observed in recent months.
Since the beginning of fiscal year 2025, Coast Guard crews have repatriated a total of 313 individuals to Haiti.
In comparison, 857 Haitian migrants were repatriated during the entire previous fiscal year.
The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with its partners in the Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast, maintains a continuous presence in key maritime regions, including the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea.
This multi-layered approach aims to protect lives at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry into the United States and its territories.