RBDF Intercepts 50 Haitian Migrants En Route to Turks and Caicos

Prompted by the sighting of a suspected Haitian sailing vessel, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas, RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua. Working in tandem with Police officials in Staniel Cay, the sighting was confirmed, leading to the interception of the migrants by RBDF personnel at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma. Subsequently, they were apprehended and handed over to the safe boat crew for detention pending further investigation, as HMBS Rolly Gray hastens to the scene.

Defense Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation executed by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) culminated in the capture of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

In response to the escalating chaos in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has ordered the enforcement of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This aggressive initiative involves deploying six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly trained RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be intensified in critical zones such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the clear objective of deterring any attempts at unauthorized entry and maintaining absolute maritime security.

These uncompromising measures have yielded significant results, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King underscores the unwavering commitment to fortifying maritime security through relentless vigilance and cooperation with regional partners and local law enforcement.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains resolute in its mission to defend the nation’s borders and uphold its sovereignty, sending a clear and formidable message to all would-be trespassers.