Two migrants, attempting to reach Puerto Rico in a 32-foot makeshift vessel, tragically lost their lives when the boat capsized near the island's northern coast. The incident prompted a response from the U.S. Border Patrol and Air & Marine Operations (AMO), Marine Interdiction agents, as well as local and federal authorities.
According to a news release by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Ramey Sector Border Patrol Agents were alerted by a concerned citizen on January 31st as the vessel approached Puerto Hermina Beach in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico. Upon arrival at the scene, agents were met by officers from the Puerto Rico Police Department FURA who had detained 14 migrants - seven men and seven women - all hailing from the Dominican Republic.
The news release further revealed that two deceased individuals were transported to the Border Patrol’s Station in Arecibo. Two females received medical treatment at a hospital in Arecibo while 11 individuals were handed over to the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The report emphasized that migrants attempting to reach Puerto Rico in makeshift boats not only risk their own lives but also endanger those of law enforcement officials.
"One day after making a public statement about the complete disregard from smugglers for the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable migrants venturing on the Mona Passage, it is unfortunate that this incident had such a sad result," said Chief Patrol Agent for Ramey Sector Desi DeLeon. "Our resolve at this moment is to identify the individuals responsible for this smuggling event and prosecute them under our U.S. laws."
This incident follows closely on two separate migrant smuggling events off the coasts of Aguadilla and Isabela which resulted in U.S. Border Patrol agents arresting 30 illegal aliens on January 30th, according to another news release.
"We want to reiterate that crossing the 80 nautical miles between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, on board such an unseaworthy vessel is an extremely risky proposition," DeLeon said.
