US Coast Guard transfers 79 Haitian migrants to the Bahamas
MIAMI (CMC) – The United States Coast Guard says that the crew of the cutter Rollin Fritch transferred 79 Haitians to Bahamian authorities on Saturday following two suspected smuggling ventures about eight miles east of Lake Worth Inlet in Southern Florida.
The Coast Guard said officials at Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office notified Sector Miami watchstanders of a suspicious 30-foot boat that was taking on water, on November 25, at approximately 10:30 pm.
“Smugglers do not care whether your loved ones live or die,” said Acting Lieutenant Nicholas Fujimoto, Coast Guard District Seven.
“Don’t waste your hard-earned money on smugglers and illegal voyages,” he warned.
Since October 1, US Coast Guard said crews have interdicted 584 Haitian migrants compared to 7,175 in fiscal year 2022; 1,527 in fiscal year 2021; 418 in fiscal year 2020; 932 in fiscal year 2019; 609 in fiscal year 2018; and 419 in fiscal year 2017.
