On Sunday, 01 March 2026, at approximately 1220 hours, reconnaissance conducted by a regional partner identified individuals removing items from a known derelict vessel at Elbow Cay, Cay Sal.
Permission was subsequently granted for the USCGC Winslow Griesser to board and investigate the individuals. Four persons were encountered onboard the vessel.
All four individuals were verified to be Cuban nationals, with three having Florida residency status and one having no status to be in the US. In accordance with the Comprehensive Maritime Agreement between The Bahamas and the United States, authorization was granted by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) for the temporary detention of the individuals pending transfer to RBDF custody. The individuals are being processed for illegal entry into The Bahamas and for possession of an undeclared firearm.
HMBS Durward Knowles transported the four individuals to Coral Harbour Base on Thursday, 05 March 2026, at 1900 hours.
In light of recent regional maritime security incidents, including engagements involving the Cuban Border Patrol and a Florida-registered vessel; the RBDF remains vigilant. Surveillance operations continue throughout Bahamian territorial waters to prevent their use for illegal activities.
