On Friday, September 9 around 7:30 p.m., the US Coast Guard patrol boat "Harriet Lane" (WMEC 903), an 82m vessel specializing in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal immigration, reported a small sailboat overloaded with migrants about 41 miles off Anguilla Cay, an island in the Bahamas archipelago.

After intercepting the small sailboat, the crew of the Coast Guard vessel Harriet Lane transshipped 127 Haitians (54 men, 34 women and 39 minors) as well as 3 Cubans brought aboard the Harriet. All were reported healthy. Once aboard the Coast Guard vessel, all migrants were provided with food, water and basic medical care.

"The Coast Guard maintains a persistent presence patrolling the waters around Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, to help prevent loss of life," said Lt. Cmdr. Salomee Briggs, Coast Guard District Seven Legal. "Taking to the sea is very dangerous, we urge you not to risk you and your loved-ones’ lives."

Families or relatives in the United States who inquire about possible family members intercepted at sea should contact their local US representative. Families or relatives located outside the United States should contact the local U.S. Embassy.

S/ HaitiLibre