Turks and Caicos intercepts sixth vessel with Haitians for 2023
The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to face the illegal landing of vessels by nationals from Haiti.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said on Sunday a Haitian vessel transporting illegal migrants was intercepted by officers of the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in the early morning.
Based on information received, at around 9 pm, the Marine Branch, acting on the information provided by the Coastal Radar Station intercepted a sailboat.
The vessel refused to adhere to instructions issued by police officers to stop. Officers engaged in a number of tactical manoeuvres forcing the illegal vessel to stop.
The vessel was subsequently towed to Caicos Marine and Shipyard where a total of 69 illegal migrants- 47 males and 22 females -were handed over to the Immigration Task Force. The vessel was handed over to Customs officials.
This is the sixth interception for the year.
Additionally, during a joint operation on Sunday the Marine Branch alongside the Tactical Unit, TCI Regiment and Immigration, responded to a report of illegal migrants in West Caicos.
There, 67 illegal migrants- 51 males and 16 females were detained and transported to Providenciales.
Meanwhile on Monday (yesterday) during a continuation of the same operation, 21 illegal migrants were detained, which included eight females, 13 males and one minor.
