BAHAMAS: Dominican Poachers arrive in Capital

#Nassau, July 23, 2018 – Bahamas – After they were apprehended for fishing in Bahamian waters on Wednesday afternoon, two Dominican fishermen were brought into the capital by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

While on routine patrol, HMBS Lignum Vitae, under the command of Senior Lieutenant Bertram Bowleg intercepted a Dominican skiff with 2 Dominicans onboard in the southern Bahamas.  The men were taken into custody and a further search of the area was conducted.  The Dominican fishermen were transferred onto HMBS Durward Knowles, and arrived in the capital on Friday afternoon. They were turned over to Police officials for further investigation.

This is the second apprehension of Dominican fishermen within the past 2 weeks.  On Sunday July 8, a 70-foot steel hull Fishing Vessel ‘Ronnye’ was apprehended approximately east of Cay Lobos by HMBS Madeira.  Approximately 33, 000 pounds of fishery products were confiscated from that vessel and 46 Dominicans fishermen were charged before the courts.

Prior to June arrest, HMBS Durward Knowles apprehended a 50-ft Dominican fishing vessel on June 16th on the Great Bahama Bank.  The 4 Dominican fishermen in that incident have since been charged before the courts.

The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel, said the Defence Force will continue to apply pressure in monitoring and apprehending those who violate our marine laws.  He also commended Commander Clarence Dean, the Force’s Commander Operations, and members of his maritime, land and air components for the outstanding work they are doing.

Photo Shows: Dominican fishermen shortly after their arrival at the Defence Force Base on July 20th .

(RBDF Photo by Marine Seaman Wellington Ramsey)

(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-

#GuardOurHeritage

#MarlinSpike

#OperationConservation

Release:RBDF