The Tribune

MORE than 100 undocumented Haitian migrants were apprehended yesterday after their vessel was spotted off Andros on Friday.

The Immigration Department said officials were carrying out routine patrols and surveillance on Friday that resulted in the discovery of a vessel carrying “unlawful entrants from the Republic of Haiti off the remote western coast of Andros”.

“Investigations indicate that the vessel travelled near Cuban waters and was en route to the United States,” a press release said. “This appears to be an increasing trend to avoid interception in Bahamian waters.”

A team from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Department of Immigration was immediately dispatched to investigate and apprehend the unlawful entrants.

Initial aerial surveillance showed distressed persons seeking assistance, the department said.

Given the remote location of the landing, the migrants were not taken into custody until Sunday morning.

Following an extensive search of the landing area, a total of 127 Haitians were apprehended: 116 men, nine women and two minors. The migrants will be taken by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to New Providence.

The Immigration Department said it is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that the migrants are repatriated as quickly as possible.

The public is encouraged to report violations of immigration laws or suspected unlawful landings to local law enforcement or the Department of Immigration at (242) 604-0172 or (242) 604-0196. Information can also be forwarded via the Department’s website at www.immigration.gov.bs under the tab “Contact us!”