Presumed dead, Found alive

It is a standard statement made by the U.S. Coast Guard when they have suspended search efforts:

“The decision to suspend an active search and rescue case is never easy, and it’s only made after careful consideration of myriad factors. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families throughout this unimaginably challenging time.”

This is typically the end of a case, except on March 29 when the Coast Guard rescued two Cuban males at approximately 5:00 p.m. near Bimini, Bahamas.

Earlier that day, a good Samaritan reported to Sector Miami watchstanders that he spotted people on a homemade paddle board approximately 10 miles west of Bimini. These men were presumed missing at sea, after the Coast Guard suspended the active two-day search on March 27.

The survivors were brought aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk and are scheduled to be transferred to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force authorities.

Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders were notified by concerned family members on March 25 of the overdue venture which reportedly left Cuba March 22 en route to Key West.

“We are thankful to our fellow mariners,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Neiman. “Their actions helped save two lives from the sea. Both men are now safe, but we must highlight trips like this are incredibly dangerous and often turn tragic.”

Since October 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews interdicted 1,067 Cubans compared to:

5,396 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2016
1,468 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2017
259 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2018
313 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2019
49 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2020
838 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2021