PHILIPSBURG–The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) intercepted a drifting sailboat near St. Kitts on Wednesday, October 23, that had 35 illegal migrants on board.

During a patrol Wednesday afternoon, a DCCG Dash 8 aircraft saw a sailboat that had a group of persons on board waving frantically at the plane.

Figuring these persons needed assistance, the Rescue and Coordination Center (RCC) immediately dispatched DCCG cutter Poema to the sailboat. The Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Fort-de-France, Martinique, was also informed about the operation.

DCCG personnel found 35 persons on board the sailboat, including two pregnant women and an undisclosed number of children. “The group was a group of illegal immigrants on their way to an unknown destination,” said the DCCG in a press release.

The vessel went adrift due to engine problems, which the captain and other persons on board could not fix.

The Poema towed the disabled vessel to the nearest island, St. Kitts. Everyone on board, including the captain, was then handed over to St. Kitts and Nevis authorities for further investigation, said the DCCG on Sunday.

Bron: Daily Herald