They rescue 22 Cuban rafters and transfer them to La Ceiba

ATLANTIS, HONDURAS. A total of 22 Cuban rafters were rescued by the Honduran Naval Force, this Thursday, February 9, in La Ceiba, Atlántida.

As it became known, they left from the January 24 of their country and are seeking to reach USA.

It may interest you- 72,466 Cubans transited Honduras in 2022; 1,310% more than 2021

The Naval Force indicated that they transferred the citizens from the Isla del Cisne to the Castilla Naval complex.

They paid attention to all of them, continuing with the International Convention for the Safety of Human Life (SOLAS).

Subsequently, they handed over the 22 Cubans to the Immigration delegate from Trujillo, Colón.

All the Cubans contacted their relatives to inform them that they had been rescued.

Through the medium Hable Como Habla (HCH), Yadira Sanchezone of those rescued, stated that they spent several days at sea until the boat in which they were transported collapsed.

“The other colleagues were given safe-conduct and each one took their course,” said the female.

Another Cuban affirmed that his plans include continuing on his course, passing through Guatemala until he reaches the United States.

“Many of us left because of the economy and because we do not agree with the politics of our country. We don’t want to be there, what we have to do is get out.”he detailed.

They provided the Cubans with medical assistance, food and a place to rest.

Cubans can request humanitarian permits

Cubans, Nicaraguans and Haitians can now request a humanitarian permit to legally enter the United States, after the government of that country opened the process as it has done with Venezuelans since October.

Blas Nunez Netohead of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), explained in a telephone press conference that the US embassies are not involved in this case.

“It is a process that can be done online. The only thing that is needed is access to the network and a sponsor in the US, “said Neto.

In this way, the official stressed that the personnel of the Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS, in English) already has a team “trained and ready” to accept applications. He also assured that the system has the capacity to process 30,000 monthly permits.