The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 32 migrants to a Dominican Republic Navy vessel following the interdiction of an overloaded makeshift boat near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, authorities said.
The operation was carried out by the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Heriberto Hernandez on Sunday after a Customs and Border Protection aircraft spotted a 20-to-30-foot vessel believed to be dangerously overloaded in waters off Desecheo Island.
Following coordination between air and sea units, the Coast Guard intercepted the vessel and took 36 Dominican nationals, three Haitian nationals and one Uzbek national aboard for processing and safety procedures.
The migrants were later transferred at sea to a Dominican Republic Navy vessel for repatriation, officials said.
The interdiction formed part of operations under the Homeland Security Task Force – San Juan Region, a multi-agency effort aimed at disrupting human smuggling networks and preventing irregular maritime crossings in the region.
“This successful outcome is due to the professionalism and unwavering resolve of our Coast Guard crews and Homeland Security Task Force partners,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response.
He also warned against attempting such voyages, describing them as extremely dangerous due to overloaded, unseaworthy vessels and lack of lifesaving equipment, adding that individuals involved could face prosecution or repatriation.
The Homeland Security Task Force initiative brings together multiple U.S. agencies to target transnational smuggling and trafficking networks operating across maritime routes in and around the United States and the Caribbean.
caribbeannationalweekly..com
