Boat-Load of Haitian Migrants Apprehended

The intercepted boat laden with Haitian Migrants being ushered ashore by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Fore Marine Unit.

An illegal vessel transporting 194 Haitian migrants was intercepted before making landfall on Saturday Evening, 5 July 2025.

According to police report, at approximately 9:57 pm, officers from the Marine Unit on board the vessels Sea Pursuit and Sea Contender were alerted to the presence of an unidentified vessel in the TCI waters by the Marine Operations Centre. 

The 50-foot vessel, powered by two outboard engines, was located by the Marine Branch. The illegal vessel was successfully intercepted, and following a head count, it was discovered to be transporting 194 individuals, comprising 156 males and 38 females.

In response, more units, including Tactical Officers and officers from our partner agency, Border Force, were deployed to assist.

Thanks to the quick coordination and effort of all responding units, the vessel was successfully docked, and all individuals on board were safely disembarked. 

The irregular migrants were transported to the Detention Centre for processing.

The RTCIPF urges the public to notify the nearest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information regarding illegal entry into the TCI.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.