Cuban Rafts for Sale in Mexico

from the Spanish:

Cancun, Mexico:

Approximately 20 rafts used by Cuban emigrants who reached Mexico's Caribbean coast will be sold for approximately $50 (U.S.) each as part of a fundraiser for the Red Cross, according to the authorities Isla Mujeres.

"There are approximately 20 rafts. The majority were made with pieces of tin cans, so they could be used for those who work with tin, and they will be sold at a symbolic price," stated Jose Luis Ibarra, spokesperson for the marine authorities of Isla Mujeres, which is located near the Mexican resort of Cancun.

Regarding the origin of the crudely-made rafts, Ibarra stated that "some landed empty, and others had passengers who were channeled to Immigration."

The rafts used by those leaving Cuba illegally are mostly made from discarded items, including wood and tin cans, and are usually equipped with automobile or agricultural machinery engines which are rigged to the raft.

Due to currents, hundreds of Cubans arrive each year on the Mexican east coast as they fail to reach Florida.

"some landed empty."

a moment of silence for those who didn't make it trying to get out of King Fidel's paradise.