In a multi-agency multi-national migrant interdiction operation, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Department of Immigration, Cuban Border Guard and the United States Coast Guard tracked and apprehended suspected irregular Haitian migrants that landed in the Bannerman Town area of Eleuthera. Using Long-Range Coastal Radars, Advanced Communications Platforms, Over the Horizon Tactical Tracking Systems, and drones equipped with infra-red and thermal payloads, the impromptu joint operation successfully apprehended over thirty suspected illegal migrants.The Intelligence Unit of the RBDF received information that several ships left Haiti en route to the Bahamas. The Long-Range Coastal radar tracked several contacts in the area of Inagua to intercept the vessels before entry into the country. Additionally, drones were deployed from Inagua to aid in the search. The United States Coast Guard also deployed air assets to increase maritime domain awareness. This approach yielded negative results; hence the Cuban Border Guard was contacted to ascertain if any suspected migrant vessels were transiting in their territorial seas. The Cuban Border Guard confirmed the sighting of a migrant ship. The RBDF and the US Coast Guard adjusted the operational plan, factoring in the new intel. On 23 November, an abandoned vessel was discovered. Shortly thereafter, a report of a migrant landing in Bannerman town subsequently followed.A mobile drone unit was dispatched to the island of Eleuthera to assist in the search for suspected migrants. During a nighttime skirmish with the use of infra-red technology, thirty-five (35) suspected illegal migrants were discovered hiding in bushes in the Bannerman town area. Searches continued the following morning with RBDF and the Department of Immigration officials, no additional migrants were discovered. The breakdown of suspected migrants apprehended were twenty-six (26) adult males, five (5) adult females, and four (4) children. The migrants will be transported to the capital for further processing via HMBS Lignum Vitae under the command of Sub Lieutenant Thomas Thompson.The RBDF continues to make significant strides in Guarding Our Heritage.
