2006 Press Releases
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter assists with the interception and repatriation of illegal Haitian nationals
October 26, 2006
On October 19, a 210-foot U.S. Coast Guard cutter assigned to patrol the Windward Passage and the southern Bahamas region intercepted a 35-foot, northbound Haitian sail freighter approximately 20 miles off the northeast coast of the Isle de Tortue. Although only 50 occupants were initially visible on the vessel, 123 Haitian nationals were ultimately found onboard. Because of the sloop’s instability, caused by the over-crowded conditions and the vessel’s overall un-seaworthiness, the Haitian nationals were transferred to the Coast Guard cutter in the interest of safety. After an initial health screening of each of the 123 Haitian nationals, all migrants, were repatriated back to the port of Cap Haitian on October 20. A Royal Bahamas Defence Force Ship Rider was embarked on the Coast Guard cutter to assist in this operation.
Since October of 2005, a total of 4,218 Haitian migrants have been intercepted on Haitian sloops by U.S. Coast Guard vessels patrolling the Windward Passage region. Intercepts such as the one on 19 October 2006, occur early in a sail freighter’s transit and can be considered a best case scenario considering the risks posed to passengers by these small, often over crowed, and in many cases dilapidated vessels. These vessels embark on long journeys from Haiti without any consideration for the many lives that are crammed onboard in their desperate search to reach The Bahamas or the United States. In the course of their journey, these vessels run the risk of capsizing, putting many lives at risk.
The U.S. Coast Guard presence in the Windward Passage is intended to help stem the flow of illegal migration and narcotics smuggling. However, the U.S. Coast Guard always gives priority to ensuring safety of life at sea. U.S. Coast Guard assets often serve as first responders to overloaded vessels such as those found smuggling migrants before they can reach Bahamian waters. Joint efforts by U.S. Coast Guard and Bahamian forces not only ensure that migration laws are enforced, but also that people onboard smuggling vessels are protected and treated with dignity.
Based on estimates of normal repatriation costs to the Bahamian government provided in a recent Bahamian media report, at-sea intercepts by U.S. Coast Guard forces during the 2006 fiscal year have likely saved the Bahamian government an estimated $763,458 in repatriation costs alone.