PHOTO AVAILABLE: Coast Guard transfers 130 undocumented migrants to Bahamas

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: 305-415-6683 After Hours: 786-367-7649 7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard transfers 130 undocumented migrants to Bahamas

Editor's Note: Click on images to download high-resolution version.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane's crew transferred 127 Haitians and three Cuban nationals to Bahamian authorities, Sunday.

A good Samaritan contacted Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders at approximately 4 p.m., Friday, reporting three people stranded on an island near Anguilla Cay, Bahamas. They were brought aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge and reported in good health.

Richard Etheridge's crew contacted Harriet Lane's crew at approximately 7:30 p.m., Friday, reporting an overloaded sailing vessel approximately 41 miles offshore Anguilla Cay. They were brought aboard the Harriet Lane and reported in good health.

“The Coast Guard maintains a persistent presence patrolling the waters around Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, to help prevent loss of life,” said Lt. Cmdr. Salomee Briggs, Coast Guard District Seven Legal. “Taking to the sea is very dangerous, we urge you not to risk you and your loved-ones' lives.”

Since Oct. 1, 2021, Coast Guard crews have rescued 1,193 Haitians compared to:  

• 1,527 Haitian Migrants in Fiscal Year 2021
• 418 Haitian Migrants in Fiscal Year 2020
• 932 Haitian Migrants in Fiscal Year 2019
• 609 Haitian Migrants in Fiscal Year 2018
• 419 Haitian Migrants in Fiscal Year 2017 

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. Throughout the interdictions, Coast Guard crew members were equipped with personal protective equipment to minimize potential exposure to any possible case of COVID-19.

Family members in the United States inquiring about possible family members interdicted at sea, please contact your local U.S. representative. Relatives located outside the United States please contact your local U.S. Embassy.

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

-USCG-