The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE US Coast Guard rescued 166 people in Bahamian waters last year, officials revealed during a port visit to New Providence.

The visit, conducted by the US Coast Guard Cutter Lawrence Lawson, underscored the long-standing maritime partnership between the United States and The Bahamas.

US Charge´ d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish highlighted the critical role of search and rescue (SAR) operations, reaffirming the US Coast Guard’s commitment to saving lives and strengthening regional maritime security.

She noted that, in addition to the rescues, the US Coast Guard intercepted more than 2,400 migrants attempting dangerous journeys on unseaworthy vessels. These interdictions, she said, were life-saving measures, ensuring that those in distress received necessary assistance.

She also pointed to ongoing joint law enforcement efforts, emphasising the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated maritime security operations in tackling illegal migration, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

She highlighted the SAR Ops search and rescue platform, a digital system provided to Bahamian authorities last year to enhance their ability to locate and assist people in distress at sea. A US team was in The Bahamas last week to update the system and conduct further training, ensuring that both nations remain at their best in responding to maritime emergencies.

Beyond enforcement operations, the visit also served as an opportunity for bilateral training and professional development.

Lieutenant Nicholas Kamwela, commanding officer of the Lawrence Lawson, noted his crew’s extensive journey, travelling approximately 1,250 nautical miles from Cape May, New Jersey. He described the visit as a significant engagement, allowing his team to collaborate with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the US Embassy.

He also underscored the value of career development initiatives, noting that the US Coast Guard Academy’s international programme fosters professional relationships among officers from different nations. These connections, he explained, help maritime personnel maintain long-term cooperation and security efforts across various regions.

The visit concluded with officials reaffirming the US commitment to maritime security, humanitarian efforts, and ongoing operational engagement with The Bahamas, further reinforcing an already deep-rooted partnership.