TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The U.S. Coast Guard helped intercept an “overloaded” boat carrying 240 migrants from Haiti as it began taking on water off the coast of Turks and Caicos, the agency said.
On the evening of May 31, Southeast District watchstanders reported the boat about 15 miles off the islands’ coast, and they diverted an aircrew from Miami to locate it and guide other units there.
The USCG was assisted in the operation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
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CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said the passengers were “attempting an illegal maritime migration,” and said the boat was in danger of sinking due to the overcrowding.
The Turks and Caicos Border Force took custody of the boat and its occupants, USGC said, placing it in tow and bringing the passengers back to dry land.
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In a statement posted to Facebook, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said the occupants of the boat included 191 men, 44 women, 4 girls, and one boy…