25 HAITIAN NATIONALS 1 JAMAICAN 1 BAHAMIAN RESCUED BY US COAST GUARD

On Sunday 20th January, 2019 at approximately 7:15 a.m. US Coast Guard rescued a disabled vessel some 8 miles northwest of Bimini with a total of (31) persons believed to be Haitian Nationals on board.

This group of 31 consisting of (13) Males, (14) Females and (4) children were turned over to The Department of Immigration, Freeport Grand Bahama at approximately 1:00 p.m. same date.

Upon processing it was determined that these persons were in contravention of the Immigration Act and charges in the following categories will be levied;

Haitian nationals will be charged with Illegal Landing and Illegal Embarkation Jamaican national will be charged with Overstaying and Illegal Embarkation Bahamian will be charged with Illegal Embarkation

All adult persons are expected to appear before the Magistrate Court in Freeport G.B. on today’s date to be formally charged.

End.