16 illegal immigrants were detained and one local boat captain arrested after the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force’s marine officers intercepted a “suspicious vessel” in an early morning operation.
This was confirmed by the RVIPF on Monday, July 18 in a media release that said no injuries were reported during the process.
According to the police, the immigrants were nationals of Venezuela, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Guyana.
Police further said that the alleged captain, whose name is yet to be disclosed, was arrested on suspicion of human smuggling.
“On their return to the Marine Branch from the rescue operation early this morning, marine officers attempted to intercept a suspicious vessel with a number of persons on board but the vessel sped off. Officers gave chase and the captain ran the boat aground in the area of Manuel Reef where persons onboard tried to flee the area,” police stated.
“Prepared on shore, officers of the Armed Response Team, Marine Unit and Beat and Patrol captured and detained a total of 16 illegal immigrants. The three persons who escaped were later detained,” the RVIPF added.
RVIPF &VISAR rescues three
Meanwhile, in another incident on Sunday night, the RVIPF in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) rescued three persons after their vessel capsized in the Sir Francis Drake channel.
“One of the three onboard was able to swim to shore to get assistance, while two others were rescued hanging on the partially sunken vessel off Pockwood Pond. No one appeared to be injured in this incident,” the police confirmed.
Commissioner of Police Mark Collins commended the quick and decisive actions of the officers in both matters which, he said, likely saved lives.