The Royal Bahamas Defence Force successfully disrupted a suspected human smuggling operation following coordinated surveillance and patrol activities conducted between Tuesday 2 December and Wednesday 3 December 2025.
On 2 December, RBDF Intelligence received information from partner agencies regarding a suspected 32-foot white and red Donzi Contender–type vessel, registration FL5631JP, equipped with twin 300hp Suzuki outboard engines. The vessel was believed to be preparing for a potential human smuggling event. RBDF surveillance units were deployed and maintained observation throughout the night with no suspicious activity initially detected.
On Wednesday 3 December 2025, at approximately 1620 hours, an RBDF Harbour Patrol Unit (HPU) craft conducting surveillance and reconnaissance patrols intercepted the monitored vessel in the area of John Alfred Dock. The vessel had eight persons onboard.
A subsequent boarding and inspection revealed multiple Customs and Immigration discrepancies. The vessel and all persons onboard were taken into custody and escorted to the Harbour Patrol Unit, where a detailed search and assessment were conducted. The event was determined to be a suspected human smuggling operation that was disrupted, involving:
- Four (4) Ecuadorian males
- Two (2) Ecuadorian females
- One (1) Dominican male
- One (1) American male
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force immediately notified The Bahamas Customs Department and the Department of Immigration. All individuals, along with the vessel, were handed over for further investigation into the failure to clear Customs and Immigration, overstaying, and suspected human smuggling.
The RBDF, under the leadership of Commodore Floyd Moxey, is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such, we remain committed to safeguarding the territorial integrity of The Bahamas as we work alongside national and international partners to deter and disrupt illicit maritime activities.
