AMO aircraft assists Turks and Caicos authorities rescue 240 migrants from overcrowded vessel

WASHINGTON - Air and Marine Operations, an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, detected a vessel Sunday with 240 migrants that authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands rescued after its engines lost power and began taking on water.

At 2:45 p.m. on May 31, a Jacksonville Air and Marine Branch Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft detected a vessel about 65 nautical miles south of Turks and Caicos. The vessel, a 50-foot Haitian wooden boat equipped with two outboard engines, was heading north toward the islands.

The AMO aircrew relayed information to Turks and Caicos authorities and Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos partners, who continued to provide updates on the vessel's position, course, and speed. The aircraft later handed off monitoring duties to a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft, which reported the vessel had lost one engine and was slowly taking on water. Occupants were seen bailing three to five gallons of water per minute, authorities said.

"Our crews are trained to respond quickly and effectively to situations like this, where lives are at risk," said Director of Air and Marine Operations in Jacksonville Drew Gellerson. "Working closely with our partners, we were able to track the vessel and provide critical information to ensure a safe rescue. This incident highlights the importance of international cooperation in protecting lives at sea."

At 9:08 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard reported the vessel was dead in the water and that passengers continued to bail water using buckets. Turks and Caicos authorities declared a search and rescue case due to the risk of capsizing and launched four maritime surface assets from Providenciales and Grand Turk.

At approximately 1 a.m. Monday, authorities successfully rescued and interdicted the vessel. Officials reported a total of 240 migrants onboard, including 191 adult males, 44 adult females, and five minors. The passengers and crew were taken by Turks and Caicos authorities and did not reach U.S. soil.

No injuries were immediately reported. The migrants' nationalities were not disclosed. The incident remains under investigation.

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers along the southwest border stop illegal activity and facilitate lawful entry for millions of legitimate travelers into the United States.

Air and Marine Operations employ a multilayered enforcement strategy to detect, deter, and disrupt illicit activities in the air and maritime environments. Working closely with federal, state, and local partners, AMO is committed to protecting the nation's borders and preventing dangerous contraband from reaching U.S. shores.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 69,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

• Topics
• About CBP
• Air and Marine Operations
• Search and Rescue