On Monday, March 16th at 1300 hours, RBDF Operations was alerted to a possible migrant smuggling activity along the shoreside of Little Inagua. RBDF Interceptor/Safeboat HMBS P-50, stationed at Great Inagua, was tasked to investigate. Upon arrival at the southwest side of Little Inagua, the crew located and apprehended twenty-nine (29) Haitian migrants along the shoreside.
On Tuesday, March 17th at 0600 hours, HMBS P-50 conducted a further sweep of Little Inagua and apprehended an additional twenty-eight (28) migrants, bringing the total number to fifty-seven (57). Based on initial investigations, it appears that their intention was to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
All migrants appear to be in good health and were transported to Great Inagua.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of The Bahamas and stands ready to disrupt and deter illegal activities within the maritime domain. Investigations are ongoing.
