Salvage crews to fish out Cuban boat from North Sound

| 26/07/2016 | 15 Comments
Cayman News Service

Cuban vessel which sank in North Sound (Picture courtesy of Cayman 27)

(CNS): A makeshift vessel that arrived in local waters last week carrying fifteen Cuban migrants has sunk in the North Sound, according to immigration officials, who said that “efforts are currently being made to have the vessel removed by a salvage specialist this week”. There has been a surge of rickety boats passing through local waters over the last few weeks carrying Cubans attempting to make the perilous sea journey to Central America in order to make it overland to the United States.

The fifteen people on board this particular vessel landed at Rum Point last Wednesday night after the engine failed on the boat. The vessel was one of five that arrived in Cayman in just one week, carrying a total of 71 people, 41 of whom have now been taken into custody. There are currently more than 80 Cubans being held by immigration at the Fairbanks centre.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Does anyone really believe that this rickety old boat actually sailed from Cuba to here. Can someone say human smugglers.This boat along with the people on board were more than likely carried here on a bigger boat and deposited in the North Sound while the smugglers went on their merry way.

  2. Sharkey says:

    The big question here is , is how much money this is costing the taxpayers . When is the Government of the Cayman Islands going to wake up to the Cuban refugees crisis and start talking to the Cuban leaders about this problem .

    Then who is this salvage Company ? Is this a salvage Company that you would use to refloat a cruise ship ? When any one with 4 drums and some rope and scuba diving tank and pump could have done the job .

  3. Anonymous says:

    Thanks a lot Obama! Since he started trying to improve relations with Cuba the number of refugees risking their lives at sea has gone up by 500%. We should send an invoice to the White House for the cost of housing and deporting the Cubans.

    • Anonymous says:

      What are you talking about, everything Obama touches transforms into pure awesomeness, just take a look at Iraq, Libya, Syria, Pakistan and Yemen… I’m sure the Germans, French and Belgians have nothing but praise with their new migrants harmony…

      • Anonymous says:

        8.53 I would like to agree with your statement that “everything Obama touches transforms into pure awesomeness”..However what is really happening is caused by a fear that ‘ Wet foot/ Dry foot’ will be repealed. This policy was in place long before Obama became President. By the way I realize you were being sarcastic and that is why I endorsed only a part of your comment

    • Anonymous says:

      Caymankind at its best!

  4. Anonymous says:

    When the salvage crew is done, can they haul out the sunk boats in Governor’s creek. There are 4 or 5 boats that are certainly leaking all fluids into the water. Certainly we can find owners and bill them.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Just wondering…

    ‘Rickety’ boats.. ‘engine failed’.

    So clearly not seaworthy?

    Be interested on people’s thoughts if this boat lands and we have the option to detain and deport or let them go on their way. Later this clearly not seaworthy vessel sinks in the middle of the sea and all aboard drown.

    Would we feel any contributory responsibility for the death of these individuals?

    I can see arguments either way but would be interested in other’s views.

    • Anonymous says:

      It’s Obamas fault. The thousands of Cubans that perish at sea in recent years is on him!

      • Anonymous says:

        How? Because he is open to ending the embargo so that Cubans can get good and services available in the rest of the world? Your comment is a little crazy, not to mention ignorant.

        • Anonymous says:

          It’s Obama’s fault because the Cuban people fear the “wet foot” policy will be lifted so they’re all trying to make a last minute dash for freedom. The buffoon of a president should have had the law changed with immediate effect thus stopping the flow completely. I doubt the Cuban people would risk the trip if they knew they weren’t guaranteed US papers.

          If someone as ignorant as me could work that out I wonder why you couldn’t.

          • Anonymous says:

            And I here I thought Caymanians were smarter.
            Cubans have been risking there lives at sea for almost 50 years…to Cayman waters or wherever. Where the hell have you been?
            Do me and every US citizen a favor, please don’t come to our country. We have enough high-level ignorance already.

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