VIDEO: Do not take to the sea

It wasn’t the intended outcome when they left Haiti, but it is the mission of the U.S. Coast Guard to stop illegal migration, and the law enforcement service branch released a video in which they intercepted an unsafe, overloaded vessel and rescued the people aboard in the Windward Passage on May 9-27, 2022.

The rescue crews arrived on scene, gave out lifejackets for safety, and transferred the people from their vessel to a Coast Guard cutter. Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all the people received basic medical attention, fresh attire, food, and water while their condition was evaluated with the assistance of a Creole interpreter.

“Coast Guard crew members conduct background checks on each person for the crew’s safety,” said a USCG statement. “Each person’s personal property is itemized and stored separately while onboard the cutter and returned when they depart the cutter. The Coast Guard ensures the safe return of the people to Haiti with the assistance of the Haitian Coast Guard.

“Irregular maritime migration is always dangerous and often deadly because of their inherent risks of the sea. People attempting this voyage will be intercepted and subject to repatriation to their country of origin. Do not take to the sea.”

Source: U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Villa Rodriguez