Marine Branch Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched yesterday (May 18th ) afternoon following reports from the United States Coast Guard and the U.S Customs and Border Protection that a suspicious vessel was seen making its way towards Providenciales.
Acting on the information received, at around 5.38 p.m., the officers, via the Sea Guardian vessel, intercepted a green 24ft fibreglass boat powered by twin outboard engines, sixty miles southeast of Providenciales.
The illegal migrant vessel was found carrying a total of THIRTY (30) illegal migrants- NINE FEMALES (09) ; and TWENTY-ONE (21) MALES, including ONE MINOR aged TWO YEARS.
The illegal migrants were handed over to the Immigration Task Force. Also taking part in the operation were the RTCIPF Tactical and Response Units, Immigration and Customs.
The RTCIPF can confirm, the following statistical data for the year (May 18th) thus far:
Number of Interceptions: Sixteen (16)
Number of Males: One Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty-Eight (1438)
Number of Females: Three Hundred and Fifty-Four (354)
The total number of Illegal Migrants: One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Two (1792) Included in the 1792 figure are TEN CHILDREN.