Defence Headquarters, 18 Sept. ‘23 (RBDF): Seventeen (17) Ecuadorians and two (2) Bahamian males were apprehended by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force attached to Bimini after their vessel was discovered 35NM Southeast of Bimini on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
RBDF Bimini Contender crew led by Chief Petty Officer Dirk Watson were dispatched by Coral Harbour Operations Command Center to investigate and render assistance to a distressed vessel. Upon arrival officials discovered a 31ft grey and white cabin cruiser with several people onboard.
After questioning the captain of the vessel, officials suspected the occupants to be involved in a possible migrant smuggling operation. Further investigations revealed that the passengers were Ecuadorians (11 males and 6 females).
All occupants of the vessel were apprehended and handed over to the relevant authorities in Bimini for further processing and investigation.
Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King is steadfast in his commitment too fostering enhanced collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and local law enforcement agencies through joint operations and proactive information sharing which serve as force multipliers and effectively address existing and potential challenges. The RBDF remains dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage.
