USCG Cutter Margaret Norvell Repatriates 63 Cuban Migrants

Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell repatriated 63 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, Wednesday.

This repatriation was a result of five separate migrant interdictions between September 25 and September 29.

Through a coordinated effort involving aircrews with Customs Border and Protection and Coast Guard Air Station Miami, crewmembers aboard several Coast Guard Cutters interdicted the migrants attempting to illegally migrate to the United States. The maritime patrol aircraft detected and vectored in Coast Guard crews after observing several unseaworthy and overloaded rustic vessels in the Florida Straits.

The migrants were later transferred to the cutter Margaret Norvell for repatriation.

“The Coast Guard and our partner agencies continue to diligently patrol the waters around the United States to deter illegal migrant activity,” said Capt. Mark Fedor, chief of response enforcement for the Seventh Coast Guard District. “Our main concern is the safety of life at sea. When migrants put their lives in the hands of smugglers, or take to the sea aboard unseaworthy vessels, they put their lives at grave risk.”

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter all migrants receive food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention.

The Cutter Margaret Norvell is one of the 58 new, Sentinel-class fast response cutters replacing the Island-class patrol boats. The FRC will be capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots and operating in seas up to 18-feet. The speed and stability of the FRC deliver tremendous lifesaving, law enforcement and homeland security capabilities in the same package.

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Press release, October 4, 2013; Image: USCG