Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office officials notified Sector Miami “watchstanders” of this suspicious 30-foot boat that was taking on water about eight miles east of Lake Worth Inlet, Florida, on November 26. The people were transferred to Bahamian authorities on December 3. US Coast Guard photo by Station Lake Worth Inlet’s crew.
MIAMI, Florida--The United States Coast Guard says that the crew of the cutter Rollin Fritch transferred 79 Haitians to Bahamian authorities on Saturday following two suspected smuggling ventures about eight miles east of Lake Worth Inlet in Southern Florida.
The Coast Guard said officials at Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office notified Sector Miami “watchstanders” of a suspicious 30-foot boat that was taking on water, on November 25, at approximately 10:30pm.
“Smugglers do not care whether your loved ones live or die,” said Acting Lt. Nicholas Fujimoto, Coast Guard District Seven.
“Don’t waste your hard-earned money on smugglers and illegal voyages,” he warned.
Since October 1, US Coast Guard said crews have interdicted 584 Haitian migrants compared to 7,175 in fiscal year 2022; 1,527 in fiscal year 2021; 418 in fiscal year 2020; 932 in fiscal year 2019; 609 in fiscal year 2018; and 419 in fiscal year 2017.
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.
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