NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Seventeen Dominicans on board a 76-foot vessel were arrested for alleged poaching in the Cochinos Banks, Ragged Island, according to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF).
The interception was the result of a joint operation between the RBDF and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The vessel was spotted around 12.24 am.
The defense force did not detail how much fisheries products were seized on the vessel, but noted a “large quantity” was being transported to New Providence along with the fishermen.
In 2018, the RBDF apprehended 190 Dominican poachers and seized four Dominican fishing vessels, as well as five go-fast vessels.
As a result of those arrests, more than 100,000 pounds of Bahamian fisheries products were seized.
In a statement, the RBDF said it remains vigilant in protecting the territorial waters and marine resources of The Bahamas.
