Prognosis
Desperate Cubans Brave Sea to Flee Covid—and Island’s Unrest
- Hunger and desperation are fueling a new wave of ‘balseros’
- Coast Guard implores migrants, ‘Please don’t take to the sea’
Photographer: Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo
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On July 6, as Hurricane Elsa roared toward Florida, five Cuban men on a rickety, wooden boat went ashore about 18 miles north of Miami. After days at sea, some of the refugees clapped in relief as they disembarked.
Hours later, the U.S. Coast Guard was rushing to save another Cuban group whose vessel, sailing in the storm’s path, had capsized off Key West the night before. Thirteen survivors were pulled from the water. Nine were never found.