The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

OVER two dozen Haitian migrants were apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in waters off Ragged Island early yesterday morning.

According to a statement from the RBDF, HMBS L L Smith under the command of Senior Lieutenant Shawn Adderley, acting on information received, conducted an investigation which confirmed suspected migrant sightings on an uninhabited cay, north of Ragged Island.

“A search of the cay uncovered just over 30 migrants, who all appeared to be in fair health.

“A further search of the cay and surrounding area is currently being conducted by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, assisted by members of the Ragged Island fishing community.”

Yesterday’s operation was the first apprehension of migrants executed by members of the RBDF for the year.

On January 7, seven foreign nationals were also apprehended during a joint operation by law enforcement officers.

“An immigration-led operation supported by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence and Police Forces and the United States Coast Guard apprehended seven foreign nationals suspected of being engaged in human smuggling in Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama,” the statement read.

“The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to patrolling our borders and protecting the territorial integrity of the Bahamas.”