Wilson Adekumola
Five people died and another 12 were unfound as an improvised boat they were using to reach the United States from Cuba sank.
A serious economic crisis was said to be causing an unprecedented migration from Cuba, particularly to the United States.
“Five deaths have been reported,” adding that survivors said “the incident occurred due to strong waves.” Cubadebate newspaper reports
It said two coastguard boats headed to the scene in response to a call for help, rescuing 11.
According, to witnesses, 12 people from the boat were missing.
The migrants, were from the municipality of Cardenas, 115 kilometers (70 miles) east of the capital Havana, left the country illegally on January 23 through Torrontela, trying to move to US territory.
It was said the boat sank the next day.
According to the report, many Cubans have taken advantage of a visa exemption in Nicaragua, an ally of Havana, since the end of 2021 to try to reach the United States through Central America.
The report claimed emigration by sea, through the Florida Straits, has also increased in recent months.
The United States Coast Guard has intercepted 5,321 Cubans at sea since October 1, compared with 6,182 in the whole year to September 2022.
