A wind assisted sloop from Haiti was detected shortly before 3AM on (Thursday December 31st, 2015) six miles Southwest off the shore of Providenciales. The vessel was detected by the Radar Station and intercepted by officers of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force – Marine Branch.
The Haitian sloop was escorted to the South Dock port by the Marine Branch. Officials from various Police units, Border Control, and other Government and Non-Governmental agencies were on hand to assist with the processing of these individuals. There were 78 individuals on board when intercepted consisting of (09 Females, 02 juveniles and 67 males).
All 78 individuals were later transported to the Detention Center for further processing and detention. Plans are currently progressing for the repatriation of these persons to their homeland within the next few days. A systematic search of the vessel was conducted and an imitation firearm was found. Investigations are ongoing.
The communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands are encourage to contact law enforcement with any information concerning the whereabouts of any illegal migrants or on pending sloop arrivals. The Police can be contacted anonymously on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the United States of America.
