SUCCESSFUL INTERCEPTION OF AN ILLEGAL MIGRANT VESSEL
The Ministry of Immigration and Immigration Department is pleased to report the interception of an illegal migrant vessel within the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the “Lil Bluff” area of Providenciales.
The vessel was detected at approximately 11:24 pm by the Border Force Unit (formerly Coastal Radar), to which 911 for informed. This led to a pursuit of the vessel by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine division and it was successfully intercepted shortly thereafter.
The vessel was brought into the Port at South Dock, Providenciales, where it was met by additional officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, personnel from the Ministry of Health, Customs and Immigration Department’s Enforcement Unit, who were on scene to conduct the necessary processing.
The vessel had a total of two hundred and fifty-two persons (252) onboard, comprising of one hundred and eighty-four (184) males, sixty-eight (68) females including two (2) minors.
Hon Arlington Musgrove in commenting stated, “I wish to thank all officials involved for their continued hard work and vigilance, we are truly grateful for this. Please let us all remain safe as we continue to do our part in protecting our borders.”
Hon. Arlington Musgrove added, “over the past month there has been four (4) successful interceptions where seven hundred and seventy-one (771) illegal migrants were apprehended. This is staggering and we must and will put a stop to this.”
The repatriation of the two and fifty-two (252) illegal migrants will commence today, to ease the numbers at the Detention Center.
As such, the public is also requested to provide the Police with tips, or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We encourage the public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA on 1-800-84477.