Haitian migrants depart Santiago de Cuba for voluntary return

Seventeen Haitian migrants have departed from Antonio Maceo International Airport in Santiago de Cuba to return to Haiti. The group, which includes 14 men, one woman, and two children, arrived at Playa Siboney on September 21 after spending approximately seven days adrift on a rudimentary wooden vessel.

While initial reports suggested the group was heading for the United States, it was later clarified that the vessel was attempting to reach Jamaica before adverse sea conditions diverted it to the Cuban coast. During their stay in Cuba, the migrants received medical evaluations, food, water, and healthcare assistance.

The Cuban Red Cross described the departure as a “voluntary and compassionate return.” Authorities coordinated the identification and repatriation process following the group's arrival and medical clearance.