MIAMI (CBSMiami) — The Coast Guard has repatriated 207 Haitian migrants stopped about 20 miles south of Turks and Caicos.
According to the Coast Guard, an “air crew and Campbell’s crew spotted the grossly overloaded vessel.”
READ MORE: Court Rules Against Miami-Dade Restaurant In COVID-19 Shutdown
The Coast Guard then deployed a small boat with life jackets to provide to the migrants.
READ MORE: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Signs Tenant Bill Of Rights
Haitians are transferred from a grossly overloaded, unsafe vessel to Coast Guard Cutter Campbell’s small boat roughly 20 miles south of Turks and Caicos, May 9, 2022. The Haitians had been repatriated to Haiti on May 11, 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard picture by Petty Officer third Class Erik Villa-Rodriguez)
“We are urging families in the U.S. to ask their loved ones not to risk their lives on this dangerous journey,” stated Cmdr. Anne O’Connell, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Campbell. “These voyages are extremely hazardous and often involve rustic vessels that are overloaded and lack food, water, and basic safety equipment.”
MORE NEWS: ‘Stronger Together’: Hurricane Preparedness Leaders Stress Cooperation At Conference
Since October 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews have intercepted 4,449 Haitian migrants.