Almost 170 illegal migrants intercepted at sea

An illegal migrant vessel was found carrying 169 illegal migrants from Haiti was intercepted by TCI marine authorities on Monday, June 5, 2023.

The latest interception brings the total number of persons intercepted on sloops for the year to 2,090 as of June 5, 2023.

On Monday evening around 10:57 pm. Marine Branch Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched after receiving information that a suspicious vessel was seen making its way toward Providenciales.

According to a statement from the Police, marine officers acting on the information received via the Sea Guardian vessel, intercepted a 40ft illegal vessel, about 2.5 miles off the North West point area.

A total of 169 illegal migrants:

38 females, and 131 males, including three minors, were on board the vessel.

The illegal migrants were handed over to the Immigration Task Force. Also taking part in the operation were the RTCIPF Tactical and Response Units, Immigration, and Customs.

The RTCIPF confirmed, the following statistical data for the year (June 05th) thus far:

Number of Interceptions: 18

Number of Males: 1676

Number of Females: 414

Total number of Illegal Migrants: 2,090

Included in the 2090 figure are 13 children

The RTCIPF has advised the TCI public to notify the closest police station or call 911 and give any information on illegal activity anonymously.