Did you know today (20 June 2024) is World Refugee Day? We are pleased to share that ICMM is in the early stages of developing a global maritime refugee project with over thirty of our museum member institutions already involved worldwide. Watch this space in the coming months to learn more!
A fascinating story from the Mystic Seaport Museum, for example, involves the Analuisa (pictured), a 20-foot fishing vessel built by Luciano Cuadras Fernández, which was launched from Mariel, Cuba, in 1994 with 19 people aboard bound to immigrate to Florida. Partway across, they were picked up by a passing cruise ship, whose crew was no doubt worried about the heavily overcrowded vessel. A very fortunate crew of four on a floundering vessel also out of Cuba, happened upon the abandoned Analuisa and brought her safely to Key West. The sturdy Analuisa was a success story for two immigrant groups in one voyage. The museum now stewards the vessel, oral histories from the survivors, and other related material. The Museum is still in touch with the families.
#WorldRefugeeDay
#WithRefugees
