NEW YORK – Forty-two migrants, most of Dominican originwere detained by non-public Coast Guard (USCG) and the Border Patrol (CBP) while They were trying to land illegally on a beach in Aguadillatown on the coast western Puerto Rico.
In a statement this Friday, the federal authorities in the territory specified that The intervention occurred on Wednesday in “Survival Seaside”.
The CBP and USCG in the Ramey Sector they arrested 33 nationals of the Dominican Republic, eight Haitians and one Ecuadorian. Five migrants required medical assistance and were transported to a local health center by non-public Emergency Medical Services who arrived on the scene. His health condition is unknown.
The Coast Guard used an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter as part of the operation.
The USCG non-public was mobilized in the wake of a communication from the United Rapid Action Forces (FURA) of the Puerto Rico Police who notified about a 30 foot boat approaching the coast in the morning hours. In view of the risks associated with the “improvised” vessel and the rocky area it was approaching, aircrew were deployed to support the rescue.
Among the injured was a migrant who did not respond to stimuli and another with a leg injury.according to information shared by the Coast Guard of the San Juan sector.
In the beach area, another migrant who was unconscious and two more who needed medical attention were rescued.
Lt. Ryan Marshall, commander of the MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircraft at Borinquen Air Stationhighlighted the coordinated work of the agencies in the operation.
“We commend the professionalism of our aircraft mechanic and rescue swimmer in successfully executing a difficult cliff hoisting operation, which led to the rescue of a critically ill man. I am incredibly proud of our team, who worked closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Puerto Rico Police, Aguadilla Air Traffic Control, and all other local response agencies, to ensure this operation will result in the saving of multiple lives,” declared the person in charge of the case.
Reggie Johnson, Ramey Sector Patrol Chief, indicated that the quick response was also key in the process.
“The safety and well-being of each individual involved is always our top priority, and today’s actions reflect the dedication and professionalism of all agencies working together. Our agents remain committed to protecting our borders and ensuring that those in need receive immediate medical attention. We thank our partners for their extraordinary coordination, which was most popular in saving lives and preventing further harm,” he argued.
The arrests are associated with “Operation Vigilant Sentry” (OVS) for continuous maritime supervision in the Straits of Florida, the Windy Passage, the Mona Passage and the Caribbean Sea.
OVS is a multi-agency project of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designed to detect, deter and intercept illegal maritime migration and smuggling in the Caribbean corridor and the Straits of Florida. Effort to protect maritime borders is led by the Coast Guard in partnership with federal partnersstate and local.
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