Jaroqui
Boat Information
- Vessel name: Jaroqui
- Arrival: Sep 11, 1980
- Captain: n/a
- Size: 24'10''
- Use: pleasure
- Onboard when departed US: 0
- Crew: 3
- Refugees: 18
- Total people onboard: 21
- Coast guard remarks: Seized INS Physical/ Northbound, registration ok
Memories from the Passengers
BEATRIZ GONZALEZ DELGADO's memory of Jaroqui
What a memory... the pictures have brought tears to my eyes..... I was 3 years old and I can close my eyes and vividly feel that day as if it were now. It was my mother, father, older sister and I on our journey. I was given a Juicy Fruit gum (the (read the rest of this memory) one in the yellow package) by the crew and till this day whenever I see or taste that gum it takes me back to September 11th, 1980. It's incredible how that memory is so vivid after so many years and only being 3. I was inside the cabin with my mother and sister along with other women and children, while my father was outside with the men. I would look out and see the massive waves behind the boat. I am not at all ashamed to say I arrived in "El Mariel" on the contrary, I'm very proud to say how my family and I arrived in this country for a better life. My parents sacrificed plenty to get us out of Cuba and worked very hard in the US to start a new life with two small children. It saddens me to know that many families were separated, including my own since my older brother had to stay due to el "servicio militar" but how many have come to reunite with their loved ones after years. I hope that SOON all families that have been separated due to the political issues in Cuba are reunited with their loved ones. CUBA LIBRE!!!!