More than 100 Haitians were captured over the weekend in Ragged Island as part of a joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Department of Immigration.

According to reports, while on routine patrol in the southern Bahamas on Saturday, HMBS Nassau received information that Ragged Island locals had spotted a Haitian sloop in waters several miles off the southern end of Duncan Town.

With further assistance from a local fisherman, Ragged Island Police and Immigration authorities conducted an immediate search of the area, which resulted in the apprehension of 105 undocumented Haitian nationals.

The migrants – 76 men and 29 women – were taken from their unsanitary vessel and taken into custody aboard HMBS Nassau commanded by Lieutenant Commander Raymond King.

They will be transported to an undisclosed location for further processing.

Defence Force Commander, Commodore Roderick Bowe, expressed his thanks and appreciation for the assistance received from the Ragged Island community, the local fishermen, the Ragged Island Police and Bahamas Immigration, and notes that the apprehension was a culmination of rapid response through a team effort among security forces and local communities.