At about 12:09 am on Thursday 12th May 2022 the Coastal Radar Station detected a suspicious vessel around 6.7miles south of Providenciales and started to track it. Immediately, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch made their way to the location and safely intercepted a vessel carrying irregular migrants. Following the stabilization of the boat, which was unsafe, taking on water, and ensuring that the migrants were safe, the RTCIPF marine unit towed the boat to South Dock where its 129 passengers, 100 males, and 29 females were safely unloaded. They were then taken into custody by the Immigration Department.
Whilst managing this situation the Marine Branch were also dispatched to a second suspicious vessel, however, as they intercepted it they found it to be local fishermen returning home. Superintendent Martyn Ball said, “Once again we have safely intercepted another vessel that was overcrowded, unsafe and risking the lives of those on board. Again this demonstrates the professionalism and dedication of the Coastal Radar Station Team, the RTCIPF Marine Unit and our Immigration colleagues, working together to save lives and keep our borders here in the Turks and Caicossafe. I would appeal to anyone if you have any information relating to such activity that you call Crime Stoppers free and anonymously on 1-800-8477 , not only will you be saving lives but also supporting our national security.”