Coast Guard rescues Haitians stranded by smugglers

The United States Coast Guard says it rescued 19 Haitians who were left abandoned by smugglers on the uninhabited natural reserve of Monito Island, Puerto Rico.

It said the rescue was part of ongoing multi-agency efforts in support of Operation Caribbean Guard and the Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG).

The US Coast Guard said it had received a communication from the cutter Joseph Napier last Thursday indicating that 19 migrants were stranded on the rocky cliffs of Monito Island located just off Mona Island, Puerto Rico.

“Heavy sea-state conditions delayed rescue efforts until Sunday when conditions improved and allowed the cutter Joseph Napier’s Over the Horizon boat to approach Monito Island,” the US Coast Guard said.

“Once the cutter small boat was in position, each person on the cliff put on a lifejacket and took their turn jumping into the water from where they were safely recovered by the small boat crew,” it added.

- Advertisement -

“The small boat crew’s thorough assessment of the situation and their actions led to the safe rescue of all 19 survivors,” said Lieutenant Devonte Weems, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier commanding officer.

“People are risking their lives and the lives of their loved ones at sea without realizing how dangerous these voyages can be.”

The US Coast Guard said the survivors, ten men, and nine women, were transferred to Ramey Sector U.S Border Patrol agents in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

Since October 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the US Coast Guard said it has carried out 14 illegal voyage interdictions in the Mona Passage and waters near Puerto Rico, detaining 419 non-US citizens, including 327 Dominican Republic nationals, 91 Haitians and one of unknown nationality.

CMC/

 

More Stories

Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright

Senators Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright appointed to ministerial roles

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has appointed two newly sworn-in government senators, Audrey Marks and Delano Seiveright, to ministerial positions, reinforcing his Administration’s focus...
Antigua and Barbuda says it will accept nationals deported from the US

Antigua and Barbuda seeks clarification on draft US travel ban proposal

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally sought clarification from the United States following reports that the Caribbean nation could be among the...
Andrew Holness

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness hints at election announcement ‘very soon’

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hinted that the countdown to general elections has begun, telling supporters that “every Jamaican will be called upon...
Marco Rubio

US applauds Belize’s democratic elections, pledges continued partnership

The United States has congratulated Prime Minister John Briceño on his re-election, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Belize. In an official statement,...
Mr Justice Andrew Burgess

CCJ to host special sitting for Justice Andrew Burgess’s retirement

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will hold a Special Sitting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to honor the retirement of the Honourable Mr...
cocaine bust Guyanese nationals

Guyanese nationals among six arrested in massive cocaine bust off West Africa

Four Guyanese nationals are among six crew members arrested after authorities discovered 6.3 tonnes of cocaine aboard a Guyana-flagged vessel off the West African...
US travel ban

Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis respond to reports of US travel ban

The governments of Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis have responded to media reports suggesting that their nations are included in a draft...
US travel ban

Caribbean nations included on draft US travel ban proposal

According to a report by The New York Times, the Trump administration is considering a new travel ban that would affect several Caribbean nations. The...
NMIA Jamaica Norman Manley International Airport

Fire at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston disrupts flights

Emergency responders worked overnight to contain a fire that broke out in the Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA)...
Guyana Government to assist sugar workers

Guyana in diplomatic talks with US over Cuban medical missions sanctions

The Government of Guyana is engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States to address concerns over the expansion of US restrictions on Cuba’s...

Latest Articles

Skip to content