Cay Sal

Cay Sal is the main island in the southwestern zone of the Cay Sal Bank. It is in length and in area. The island is covered with stunted palm trees and marked by several dilapidated buildings standing on its western side. In its interior there is a large salt pond commonly replenished by heavy wind-driven seas that broach the islet along its southwest side. ==History==

According to Spanish navigators the island had a few natural salt pans producing good, clean salt, and its leeward side provided an excellent anchorage as well. Another island in the banks, Elbow Cays, has a lighthouse built in 1839 by the British. The United States Coast Guard constantly monitors Cay Sal and nearby islands for refugees from Cuba. Cay Sal is about thirty miles away from Cuba. Refugees rescued on the island have included pregnant women and children. Refugees are reported to have employed a variety of craft including small, ill-equipped boats, in spite of the possibility of pursuit by the Cuban military. In 2023, the Coast Guard rescued a man who had been stranded on the island for 3 days. ==See also==