INTERCEPTION OF ILLEGAL MIGRANT VESSELS
The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services and Immigration Department is pleased to report the successful interception of an illegal migrant vessels within the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands approximately 9.7 nautical miles off shore
Sunday, 5 September 2021, a vessel was detected around 7:14 pm by the Coastal Radar unit which led to the successful interception by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Division shortly thereafter.
The vessel was brought into the South Dock Port, Providenciales and was met by additional officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and the Immigration Department’s Enforcement Unit, who were on scene to conduct the necessary processing.
The vessel comprised of one hundred and -one persons (101) on board, comprising of eighty-one (81) males and twenty (20) females.
Hon Arlington Musgrove in commenting stated, “I wish to thank all officials who assisted in the successful apprehension of the vessels, which is a testament to our teamwork. Special thanks to the Coastal Radar staff for their early detection, and the rapid response of the Marine Unit within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Force, our Enforcement unit within the our Immigration department and personnel from the Ministry of Health, who were all on scene to do the necessary processing.
Hon. Arlington Musgrove added, “Let me warn the persons involved in this illegal operations that we will catch you, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. You have been fully warned.”
The repatriation of the one hundred and one migrants will commence shortly to alleviate the load at the Detention Center.
The public is reminded to continue to provide the Police with tips, or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We continue to 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.