The US Coast Guard repatriated 58 Dominicans and returned seven Haitians to a Dominican Republic patrol boat just off Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on Monday, following the interdiction of an irregular migrant voyage vessel in Mona Passage waters near Puerto Rico.
Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon interdicted a wooden makeshift boat Sunday night in Mona Passage waters shortly after it was detected by the aircrew of a Coast Guard Ocean Sentry aircraft.
The coast guard transported the interdicted group to Dominican Republic territorial waters where the repatriation was completed.
“The excellent coordination and quick response efforts between the Coast Guard responding units and watchstanders saved 65 lives from a possible tragic outcome,” said Lt. Nicholas Rogers, Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon commanding officer.
“For those thinking of irregularly migrating we urge you to not take to the sea. This voyage is extremely dangerous and occurs aboard grossly overloaded and unseaworthy vessels. Your life and the life of all others in the voyage will be at risk.”
From October 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Coast Guard has carried out 14 illegal voyage interdictions in Mona Passage and waters near Puerto Rico. Interdicted during this period, are 419 non- US citizens including 327 Dominicans, 91 Haitians and one of unknown nationality.
