The crew of the US Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Joseph Doyle has repatriated 75 migrants to the Dominican Republic following the interdiction of a makeshift vessel in Mona Passage waters off Puerto Rico on Wednesday, September 2.
This interdiction is part of the efforts of the Homeland Security Task Force – San Juan Region to combat human smuggling and deter unlawful maritime migration.
Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders received a report from the aircrew of a US Customs and Border Protection multirole enforcement aircraft of a grossly overloaded 32-foot (10-metre) makeshift vessel northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
Watchstanders diverted Joseph Doyle to interdict the suspect vessel and directed the launch of an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen to provide search and rescue support on scene.
Shortly after, the crew of Joseph Doyle intercepted the vessel and safely embarked 77 migrants, including 73 Dominican nationals, 65 men and eight women, and four Haitian men.
“Without this swift response, the unstable and unseaworthy vessel could have easily capsized and ended in tragedy,” said Commander Matthew Pinhey, Joseph Doyle’s commanding officer.
