Duo captured after fleeing vessel with illegal migrants

The vessel on which the illegal immigrants were travelling.

Two men were captured after they were reportedly seen fleeing a vessel containing over two dozen suspected illegal immigrants last Saturday morning.

Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Customs, Wade Smith, said on ZBVI Radio at the weekend that the vessel was reportedly spotted operating suspiciously in the Kingston area.

However, the two men – a Vincentian and a Hatian national – made a desperate dash to escape law enforcement officials, all to no avail.

Officers of the Customs Marine team responded to the vessel, but the two individuals made it ashore and appeared to be running, the Customs boss said.

According to Smith, the Joint Task Force (JTF) was then activated and police and Immigration officers responded quickly to apprehend the duo.

Among the stowaways discovered on the vessel, Smith said, was a number of small children, including an infant child. It was revealed that there were 24 adults aboard the vessel along with four children.

He further noted that investigations remain ongoing and said the individuals found aboard the vessel are expected to be processed by both Immigration and police officers after they have completed their health screening.

Smith related that it was an especially active year for his officers and was in high praise of the persons who shared information with law enforcement officials while commending the public for their support.

Since the onset of the pandemic, Smith said persons around the BVI have continued to express concern and are sharing reliable information, leading to the apprehension of illegal migrants.

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