Our World

S17E17 Windsurf Escape: Cuba’s Migration Crisis

The Florida Straits conceal an unseen divide between two distinct worlds. For nearly sixty years, a trade embargo has isolated Cubans from their American neighbors, just 90 kilometers away. However, in July 2021, the pandemic's aftermath, coupled with an economic downturn and food scarcity, sparked unprecedented protests throughout the island. Shortly after, reports emerged of the largest wave of Cuban emigration since the 1959 Revolution. This gripping documentary showcases never-before-seen footage, chronicling the journeys of three Cubans who risked everything to reach the US. From windsurfing to inflatable kayaks, their perilous escapes are documented alongside exclusive insights from the US Coast Guard, who are tasked with safeguarding American waters amid this migration surge and preventing tragedies at sea.