The US Coast Guard returned hundreds of Haitians trying to immigrate to the United States on a small boat back to their home country this week.
The agency announced Tuesday that Cutter Valiant and Cutter Legares responded to reports of a boatload of people sailing off the coast of Florida, approximately 23 miles northwest of Mole Saint Nicolas, Haiti, around 7:30 a.m. of January 26.
A USCG Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos MH-60 Jayhawk crew spotted the boat and notified watchmen from Coast Guard District Seven.
The USCG said 309 Haitians were returned to Haiti following the interdiction. The group was a mix of men, women, and children.
US COAST GUARD TAKES PART WITH $33 MILLION IN HASHISH AND MET IN THE GULF OF OMAN
The US Coast Guard intercepts a boat carrying hundreds of Haitian immigrants off the coast of Florida.
(US Coast Guard District 7)
In a statement, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicole Groll of Coast Guard District Seven strongly advised against attempting to sail to the United States.
“Attempting to migrate by sea in an unseaworthy vessel is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous,” Groll said. “The sea does not forgive, and these trips can cost you your life.”
US COAST GUARD DETAINS 396 HAITIAN MIGRANTS MADE IN 50-FOOT BOAT NEAR THE BAHAMAS
The Coast Guard returned 309 Haitians to their country of origin on January 31 after intercepting their boat on January 26.
(US Coast Guard District 7)
The Coast Guard said all the migrants received food, water, shelter and basic medical care once aboard the ships. They were returned to Haiti on Monday and Tuesday.
Since Oct. 1, 2022, the USCG said crews have stopped 2,513 Haitian immigrants from reaching the United States. The number of Haitians trying to reach US soil has increased significantly in the last three years.
The US Coast Guard returns 309 men, women and children to Haiti after attempting to migrate to the United States by sea.
(US Coast Guard District 7)
CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Prior years break down as follows: 7,175 Haitians in fiscal year 2022, 1,527 in fiscal year 2021, 418 in fiscal year 2020, 932 in fiscal year 2019, 609 in fiscal year 2018, and 419 in fiscal year fiscal 2017.
