Haitian migrant vessel stopped near Turks and Caicos Islands
The interception of what is believed to be a Haitian vessel carrying irregular migrants was carried out on Saturday afternoon in a joint operation between the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
The 40 ft wooden vessel with approximately 189 Haitian nationals – 140 males including one minor and 49 females, were detained and passed to TCI Immigration Officers for processing.
Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: "The Northern Caribbean Region is experiencing an increase in the number of vessels seeking to smuggle people into the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas. So far, in 2023, 21 boats have been intercepted by the RTCIPF Marine Branch, with over 2,600 migrants being detained. The number of vessels and persons detained exceeds all previous year's totals, and we are just six months into 2023.
In response to this rising threat to our National Security, we are working in collaboration with our cousins from the Bahamas, and our partnership is strengthening the answer to this threat both in respect of our jurisdictions and as a region. The RMDS LL Smith operated in TCI waters to support the RTCIPF Marine Branch. I am grateful to the crew of the RMBS LL Smith for their diligence and professionalism in executing today's intercepting and to the Government of the Bahamas and the Commodore of the RBDF for their continued and committed partnership in protecting our territorial waters and Border.
“As ever, I thank the RTCIPF Marine Branch Team for their continued outstanding work in dealing with the threats of people smuggling at sea. I cannot speak more highly of their dedication and commitment to protecting the TCI border.
“All of the agencies on the TCI remain committed to meeting the current threats of Irregular Migration
“This Operation was executed under the ship rider agreement signed by both countries in 2022 and highlighted the continued collaboration and partnership the two countries share; together, we are stronger in defence of our countries through delivering our shared objectives.”
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