The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated a 64 migrants to the Dominican Republic this week after two separate vessels were interdicted in the Mona Passage.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Coast Guard said 46 Dominican migrants were repatriated three days after 18 others were repatriated on Sunday.
“Grossly overloaded boats taking on water with no life jackets or safety equipment onboard, boat operators with little experience and perilous seas present a serious threat to the lives of the migrants looking to cross the Mona Passage,” said Capt. Eric P. King, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander. “The quick response and coordination between the Coast Guard units involved, our Caribbean Border Interagency Group partners and the Dominican Republic Navy prevented a potential tragedy in these two cases and allowed for a quick repatriation of all 64 migrants.”
With all migrants successfully returned to their country of origin, Coast Guard officials did not open an investigation into the incidents. No further information was released.
