U.S. Coast Guard returns 109 migrants to Dominican Republic

U.S. Coast Guard returns 109 migrants to Dominican Republic

us coast guard

San Juan, Puerto Rico — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos returned 109 migrants to the Dominican Republic on Wednesday following two separate interdictions of unlawful maritime migration in the Mona Passage near Puerto Rico.

The migrants were handed over to Dominican Republic Navy authorities in San Pedro de Macorís.

The first interdiction occurred Monday afternoon when a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew spotted a 20-foot makeshift vessel northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The vessel was intercepted by the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos, which embarked 12 migrants, including 11 who claimed to be from the Dominican Republic and one from Haiti.

Later that same day, another HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew sighted a 30-foot makeshift vessel in the same area. A coordinated effort involving Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, an Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine units, led to the interception. The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos subsequently took 98 migrants onboard, including 28 who identified as Dominican nationals and 70 as Haitians.

“These successful interdictions highlight the strong partnerships and seamless cooperation between the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and Puerto Rico Police,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, chief of response for Coast Guard Sector San Juan. “The dangers these migrants face on such perilous voyages cannot be overstated. They often embark on unseaworthy, overcrowded vessels with little to no lifesaving equipment. We urge anyone considering these journeys to reconsider and seek legal and safe migration options instead.”

Migrants interdicted at sea or apprehended onshore will not be permitted to remain in the United States or its territories. Those arriving unlawfully may be deemed ineligible for legal immigration pathways and repatriated to their country of origin.

The Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast, continues to maintain a strong presence across key maritime regions, including the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea. This multi-layered approach under Operation Vigilant Sentry aims to safeguard lives at sea while preventing unauthorized maritime entry into the United States and its territories.

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Posts
Total
0
Share
10 Largest Oil Spills in History Why the Bay of Biscay is Dangerous for Ships? 10 Absolutely Insane Facts About Navy SEALs USS Gerald R Ford Vs China’s Latest Type 003 Fujian Aircraft Carrier Top 10 Countries With Most Submarines (2024)