BAHAMAS: Defence Force assists in Migrant apprehension

#Bahamas, March 16, 2018 – Nassau – Just under 200 Haitian nationals were apprehended in a combined effort by patrol craft of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the US Coast Guard this afternoon.  This most recent incident occurred only a few hours after the Minister of National Security, the Honourable Marvin Dames, told Officers and Marines of the Defence Force at their Annual Church Service that securing the southern border of The Bahamas is a top priority for The Bahamas Government.

The first group of some 100 migrants were apprehended shortly before 8 pm this evening by Defence Force patrol craft HMBS Durward Knowles, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Omarv Saunders.  The migrants were on board a sloop just over 20 miles southeast of Great Inagua. The sighting was made by an OPBAT helicopter patrolling the southern Bahamas.

The second group of migrants was also sighted by an OPBAT helicopter east of Inagua.   A US Coast Guard vessel is assisting with the apprehension of that vessel.  All migrants will be handed over to Immigration Officials for further processing.

This is the second and third group of migrants, respectively to be apprehended in Bahamian waters this year.  The most recent apprehension by a Defence Force patrol craft was January 21st of this year after a Defence Force aircraft observed a Haitian vessel in the vicinity of Long Island.  A total of 69 were apprehended. Last year, the Defence Force apprehended or assisted in apprehending some 1,300 migrants.

The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel, expressed his thanks for the assistance received from the US Coast Guard in support of the Defence Force’s maritime interdiction programs.  The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of The Bahamas and keeping our southern borders secured.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel) -rbdf

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Release: RBDF