A joint interdiction involving the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the U.S. Coast Guard and Turks and Caicos personnel occurred on August 13, 2023, and resulted in the interception of 145 Haitian migrants.
THE WATCH STAFF
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), operating jointly with the U.S. Coast Guard and Turks and Caicos Islands personnel, intercepted a ship with 145 Haitian migrants on August 13, 2023.
Bahamian authorities provided the migrants with medical care, food and water, and accommodations after the interdiction by the patrol vessel HMBS Bahamas, which had two service members from the Turks and Caicos Islands on board to contribute their expertise.
The interdiction was the second since the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory, signed a ship rider agreement in 2022. The pact allows law enforcement officials from one country to conduct operations on board the vessels of another for specific law enforcement purposes, according to an RBDF Facebook post.
The Haitian migrants were transported to the Turks and Caicos Islands after they were intercepted, the post stated.
“In this instance, the collaborative efforts underscore the unwavering partnership between the United States, The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasizing their shared commitment to maritime security and law enforcement operations,” the RBDF post read.
The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands are negotiating a maritime boundary. A 2022 security agreement reaffirmed a historically close working relationship between the neighboring islands.
RBDF Commodore Raymond E. King “is steadfast in his commitment to fostering enhanced collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and local law enforcement agencies, as well as regional partners. Through joint operations and proactive information sharing, these strategic alliances serve as force multipliers, effectively addressing both existing and potential challenges,” the post read.
“The RBDF remains dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage. We are committed to upholding the highest standards as we protect and preserve the rich legacy that defines our nation,” it continued.
The interdiction was part of the ongoing collaborative effort involving the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the United States to combat illegal activity. Dating to 1982, Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) uses U.S. Coast Guard helicopters to help catch drug smugglers and migrants, according to the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Association.
OPBAT operations have curtailed drug smuggling in Bahamian waters. From 2008 to 2019, OPBAT seizures have totaled about 11 metric tons of cocaine, according to the U.S. State Department.
In a July news release, the Coast Guard reiterated the priority of deterring human smuggling through the Bahamas.
“The Coast Guard and its Homeland Security Task Force — Southeast partners will continue to maintain presence in the air and at sea to detect and deter migrants who attempt to unlawfully enter the U.S,” the release said.
“Those attempting to illegally migrate to the U.S. in an overloaded, unsafe vessel are putting themselves and their loved ones in extreme danger,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matt Spado, Coast Guard liaison officer to the Bahamas, according to the release. “The Coast Guard and our partners are committed to stopping anyone who attempts an unlawful and unsafe voyage at sea.”
Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews have interdicted or encountered 5,089 Haitian migrants. Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention before repatriation to their country of origin or transfer to their country of departure.