U.S. Emigrant Describes Difficulties During Trip to Brava Island

According to Joaquim, the trip—which was supposed to be marked by a reunion with family members and a visit to the island—ended up becoming an experience of worry and frustration for dozens of passengers.

According to his account, about 60 people were in Praia waiting to continue their journey to Brava, but were unable to board as planned.

Joaquim states that the passengers were also worried because their luggage was not with them, adding to the uncertainty about when they would finally be able to continue their journey.

The passengers had tickets for the boat trip and expected to depart around 5:00 a.m. However, according to the account, the departure did not take place at the scheduled time.

The emigrant says the passengers were not given a clear explanation for the delay or for the situation they were facing in Praia.

Among the passengers were members of Joaquim’s family who had traveled from the United States to Cape Verde for a visit they had been looking forward to with great anticipation.

One of his sisters-in-law, aged 56, was visiting Cape Verde for the first time. Joaquim’s sister, aged 46, was also traveling to the country for the first time.

For these family members, the trip represented a special opportunity to get to know Cape Verde and visit the island of Brava, making the situation they experienced in Praia all the more disappointing.

Joaquim believes that passengers deserve to receive clear information when changes or problems occur in maritime transportation between the islands.

The lack of information, according to his account, left many people exhausted and worried, especially those traveling with family members, children, or luggage.

This incident once again draws attention to the difficulties that passengers and emigrants may face during sea travel between the islands of Cape Verde.

For many emigrants, returning to Cape Verde is planned months in advance and involves significant expenses, so delays and transportation problems can cause major disruptions.

Joaquim decided to go public with his account to draw the attention of the authorities and transportation agencies, asking for clarification on what happened to the passengers waiting in Praia.

The emigrant hopes that the situation will be clarified and that solutions will be found to prevent other passengers—especially emigrants returning to the country to visit their families—from going through the same experience during their trips to Brava Island.