A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Operation Bahamas Turks & Caicos (OPBAT), US Coast Guard, Cuban Border Patrol, and Bahamas National Trust Representatives resulted in the detection, extraction, and eventual apprehension of 127 Haitian migrants inclusive of 118 males and 9 females, near Yellow Cay, West Andros Island.The Royal Bahamas Defence Force was alerted to the detection of the Haitian Sailing Vessel by the Cuban Border Patrol of which was verified by OPBAT and USCG reconnaissance asset along the Old Bahama Channel.The Haitian Sloop was monitored as it maneuvered, which later grounded on the Western Side of Andros off Yellow Cay.HMBS Leon L. Smith and HMBS Kamalee were diverted to the area with Immigration Officers embarked assisted by USCG Helo and local BNT officials to conduct the extraction exercise (apprehension and removal of migrants from Yellow Cay).The cay search resulted in the apprehension of the 127 migrants, who are being transported to New Providence by HMBS L.L. Smith and HMBS Kamalamee to the Coral Harbor Base for eventual handover to Immigration Officials. It is the intent of Commodore Raymond E. King through, to work more closely with local law enforcement agencies and regional partners through joint operations as well as information sharing as a force multiplier to address current and potential challenges. The RBDF remains committed to guarding our heritage.
