MIAMI – The Coast Guard and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) rescued 88 Haitian migrants Friday off Little Inagua, Bahamas.
A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, deployed to Great Inagua, located the Haitian migrants on the island and received a request to assist by the Bahamian government.
The helicopter crew embarked 15 migrants for medical concerns and transported them to Matthew Town for further medical care.
“I am grateful for the continued support of the U.S. Coast Guard and Operations Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) in preventing loss of life at sea and in the continues fight against illicit trafficking in our waters,” said Cmdr. Clarence Dean, commander of operations, Royal Bahamas Defence Force. “I anticipate our symbiotic relationship and positive rapport will shine through in future endeavors.”
The RBDF deployed a marine-asset crew to embark the remaining individuals off Little Inagua for transport to Great Inagua.
“This case highlights the value and professionalism of many crews coming together in support of a multi-nation joint rescue operation,” said Capt. Aldante Vinciguerra, chief of response, Coast Guard’s 7th District. “Illegal migration ventures, such as these, all too often end tragically. Thankfully our Coast Guard and RBDF crews were able to locate and perform this rescue seamlessly.”
