NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A 50-foot vessel was found in waters off Crystal Cay with its engine running after midnight on Friday, according to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
The RBDF said it received reports of a possible human smuggling operation and went to western New Providence to investigate, but found the vessel, a Cabin Cruiser named ‘My Weakness’, abandoned.
After the defense force searched the vessel and found no one on board, marines transported it to the Coral Harbour Base for further investigation.
However, police officers reported detaining nine men and five women in the area where the vessel was found.
This is the latest suspected human smuggling incident in a string of operations in recent weeks.
Just over a week ago, Minister of Labour and Immigration Keith Bell advised that in two recent interdictions, 28 Cuban migrants were found on a boat, and in another 44 people were found on a yacht.
On that yacht were two Colombian women, who sources said paid $30,000 to be transported from Colombia to Miami.
A Bahamian man was also detained in the incident.
The immigration minister noted that the apprehensions have raised concerns over illegal harbouring in the country.
He said it warrants a deeper investigation.
International authorities have reported an increase in human trafficking since the pandemic.
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