Forty migrants, all presumed to be Cubans, were arrested in the southern Bahamas on Monday.

Reports indicate that a patrol craft spotted a go-fast type vessel approximately 40 people on board – 39 adults and a child.

The boat was traveling northbound from the Las Isabella area of Cuba as early as last Thursday.

The go-fast vessel reportedly offloaded the suspected Cuban migrants onto a deserted cay near Cay Sal.

According to authorities, the vessel was subsequently stopped in international waters.

Reports indicate that two smugglers were onboard and were detained.

However, the migrants evaded capture up until Monday.

The group will be turned over to immigration authorities in New Providence for further processing and repatriation.