Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos repatriated 16 aliens to Dominican Republic, Thursday, following the interdiction of a makeshift vessel in Mona Passage waters off Puerto Rico, Monday.
This interdiction is part of the efforts of the Homeland Security Task Force – San Juan Region to combat human smuggling and deter unlawful maritime migration.
Sector San Juan watchstanders received a report from the aircrew of a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry of a grossly overloaded 22-foot makeshift vessel off Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. A Customs and Border Protection multi-role enforcement aircraft joined the response and maintained aerial surveillance on scene as cutter Richard Dixon interdicted the suspect vessel.
Following the interdiction, the crew safely embarked 19 people, 14 men, three women and two minors, who claimed being Dominican Republic nationals. The migrant group was transferred to cutter Joseph Tezanos for their repatriation. Fourteen of the migrants were repatriated at sea to Dominican Republic Navy vessel Bellatrix, while the two minors were transferred shoreside to National Council for Children and Adolescents CONANI representatives.
“This is a win for our joint operations,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael D. Torgesen, Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon commanding officer. “Customs and Border Protection and Coast Guard air assets once again precisely guided the crew of the cutter Richard Dixon on scene, allowing us to stop this overloaded, unseaworthy vessel and successfully ensure safety at sea and maritime security.”
“To anyone considering an unlawful maritime voyage; do not take to the sea!” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Coast Guard Sector San Juan chief of response. “These trips are extremely dangerous, typically relying on unseaworthy, heavily overloaded vessels without any lifesaving equipment. Furthermore, anyone caught participating faces potential prosecution or immediate repatriation to their country of origin or departure.”