The bodies of seven irregular migrants were recovered from the water after an illegal vessel capsized in the North West Point area of Providenciales around 9:40 p.m., on Monday, November 29, 2021.
A search and rescue operation continued early, Tuesday, November 30, 2021, after a total of 64 irregular migrants were rescued from the water by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Marine Branch Unit.
Acting Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives today. We were hoping for the best. Unfortunately, we are now dealing with a tragedy. It is unclear how many irregular migrants were on board the vessel. However, the search will continue. We have fully utilized all of our marine assets today with support from Officers of the TCI Regiment, the Immigration Task Force, The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, and the US Coast Guard. We are truly grateful to everyone for their support in this operation”.
Police and supporting units were notified that an illegal vessel was nearing land in the North West Point area after a collision which resulted in several persons falling into the water. Those rescued from the water and apprehended after escaping on foot are now in Immigration custody.
The recovery efforts are set to resume again at dawn on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Further information will be given as the investigation progresses.