The Turks and Caicos Islands Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) together with the TCI Regiment intercepted a boat carrying 52 Haitian Nationals late Friday night.
The authorities also found, drifting off the coast of Providenciales, an empty vessel, of which they have launched a probe.
The RTCIPF information office said Haitian nationals have, up until Saturday, been detained. The detainees include 47 males, four females and one minor.
“The illegal migrants were held yesterday (23rd December) evening at 11.46 pm,” the police said.
According to information, Marine Branch officers, acting on information received from the Radar Station, intercepted the vessel south from West Harbour Bluff.
“The sloop and those persons on board were handed over to the TCI Regiment and Immigration Enforcement Officers,” the RTCIPF added.
“Additionally, yesterday (December 23rd) Marine Branch officers recovered an empty vessel drifting two miles off Providenciales. The vessel was escorted to South Dock. The public is being advised to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers and give any information illegal activity anonymously.
“Please note, that Crime Stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency. The calls are anonymous and cannot be traced in the United States or the TCI,” the police added.