For several days now, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in constant contact with the family of Maurizio Cappato, the former police officer who moved to Cuba several years ago and has been living there ever since. Cappato went missing on 24 August whilst out fishing. The report made to the Cuban police is being followed up by the Embassy and personally by Ambassador Simona De Martino. Both his Cuban wife, who lives in Cienfuegos, and his daughter Mary in Italy have been informed; the Ambassador herself has also spoken to Mary.
The Cuban police are continuing their search, both in the wooded inland area where Cappato went missing and along the entire coastline. The police’s theory – which the Ambassador herself discussed again this morning – is that her fellow countryman is missing at sea. If this were the case, the search for the body could prove very difficult due to the strong currents in that stretch of coastline. Whilst other emergencies involving Italian citizens in Cuba are currently unfolding, support for Cappato’s family has continued uninterrupted: the family has, amongst other things, received a copy of the report from the Cuban police and, in turn, has filed a missing person report with the Italian authorities. The diplomat also gave Mr Cappato’s daughter her personal mobile number in case she needed anything. The closest relative involved in the search – namely Mr Cappato’s wife, who is on the island – is being kept constantly informed.
