High-speed boat with 21 people departs Pinar del Río for Mexico

A high-speed boat carrying 21 individuals departed from Dimas, in the municipality of Mantua, Pinar del Río, on Saturday, September 5. The vessel is reportedly traveling across the Gulf of Mexico toward Cancún, Mexico.

As of Sunday morning, there has been no public confirmation regarding the safe arrival of the passengers. The departure was reported by the platform NiO Reporting a Crime, which noted that the route is a dangerous maritime journey. The Dimas area has become a frequent departure point for unauthorized maritime trips toward Mexico.

This incident follows several recent maritime tragedies in the region. In mid-August, two young men drowned near Sandino, Pinar del Río, due to engine failure. Additionally, a group of 19 Cubans, including seven minors, recently went missing after departing Havana; the Mexican Navy eventually located the vessel near Yucatán and rescued 16 people. The use of high-speed boats has increased as an alternative to traditional rafts, despite the significant risks involved in crossing the Gulf.