The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser and two Dominican Republic Navy vessels rescued 61 alien migrants Monday morning from a grossly overloaded, sinking vessel in Atlantic Ocean waters off the Dominican Republic.
All migrants aboard the sinking vessel were successfully rescued and transferred to Dominican Republic Navy rescue vessels.
“Thanks to the rapid response of the Coast Guard and Dominican Republic Navy rescue crews, 61 lives were saved from an overloaded, sinking vessel. However, these dangerous and unlawful voyages are increasing, and our luck will eventually run out. Do not risk your life with ruthless smugglers. Choose safe, lawful migration pathways; if caught, you could face prosecution or immediate repatriation.” -US Coast Guard Commander Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan
At approximately 5:50 a.m., the crew of the Winslow Griesser detected a suspect 30-foot makeshift vessel taking on water, approximately 12 nautical miles northwest of Cabo Cabron, Dominican Republic.
Upon arriving alongside, the cutter crew confirmed the makeshift vessel was rapidly taking on water and immediately began rescuing the passengers. Coast Guard watchstanders also deployed an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Borinquen to provide overhead rescue support, while a Dominican Air Force aircraft also responded.
Shortly after, the Dominican Republic Navy patrol boats Capella CG-108 and Algenib Ll-169 arrived on scene to assist with the rescue. Together, the crews safely resued all 61 survivors.
Just last week, a similar migrant venture capsized, dumping more than 60 people into the waters of the Mona Pass. A multi-agency response, including the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action FURA, and Dominican Navy assets, rescued 49 of the migrants and recovered three deceased. Several remain unaccounted for.
Migrants interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore will not be allowed to stay in the United States or a U.S. territory. Furthermore, individuals who arrive unlawfully may be declared ineligible for legal immigration parole options and face repatriation to their country of origin or return to their country of departure.
The Coast Guard, along with its Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast partners, maintains a continual presence with air, land, and sea assets in the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry. The HSTF-SE combined, multi-layered approach is designed to protect the safety of life at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry to the United States and its territories.
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