RBDF apprehends 40 Haitian migrants in southern Bahamas

RBDF apprehends 40 Haitian migrants in southern Bahamas
(RBDF Photos show: Haitian migrants being transported aboard HMBS Durward Knowles after they were apprehended in the southern Bahamas on April 9, 2019.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A total of 40 migrants were detained after they were apprehended in the southern Bahamas on Tuesday morning by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF).

The RBDF said acting on information received, HMBS Durward Knowles, under the command of Senior Lieutenant Bertram Bowleg, apprehended a 35-ft Haitian sloop off the south coast of Little Inagua Island.

“A further search of the uninhabited island and surrounding area led to the apprehension of 34 males and 6 females, who all appeared to be in good health,” the RBDF said.

The RBDF said the migrants were taken aboard the Defence Force craft and transported to Matthew Town, Great Inagua Island where they were turned over to Immigration Officials for further processing.

With this latest apprehension, the RBDF said over 300 Haitians have been apprehended this year for illegal entry during four separate incidents.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force said it continues to protect and safeguard the territorial integrity of The Bahamas.