PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 – “Yesterday afternoon a report was made to TCI authorities that an illegal Haitian sloop carrying over 150 immigrants wrecked in the waters of the TCI and its occupants were in distress. Turks and Caicos Islands police authorities responded immediately and to date rescued 124 survivors with the help of the US Coast Guard, DECR and volunteers from the TCI boating public.
It is believed that on Sunday night 26th July 2009 the illegal Haitian sloop ran aground on Molasses reef about 2.3 miles off West Caicos. Turks & Caicos Islands Law enforcement Officials have reported that 124 illegal Haitian nationals (22 females and 102 males) were recovered alive and are being treated in the TCI.
Unfortunately despite our efforts 17 males were confirmed demised, their bodies have been recovered and are now at the morgue pending post-mortem. Our prayers and thoughts are with the families of those persons whose lives were lost during this accident.
The Director of Health Services Management and his team at the Myrtle Rigby Health Complex have activated their Emergency Management Plan and a command post has been setup to deal with the boating mishap.
My Government and I wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Marine Division, US Coast Guard, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Medical Department, TCI Disaster Preparedness Department, the Department of Environmental and Costal Resources, Public Health Department and members of the boating public.
Various Government departments will continue working to rescue and
recover any other individuals who may be in our waters.
We are committed to implementing measures that will stem the illegal migration situation in the TCI. To this end we will continue with the construction of the Radar and National Emergency Response systems which started in 2008. A full investigation is in progress. Any individuals found to be a part of this smuggling operation will be brought to justice.
I take this opportunity to call on H.E. the Governor to be mindful of his responsibility for the National Security of the Turks and Caicos Islands and request that the British Government does everything possible to aid in curbing this problem and protecting our borders.”
Hon. Galmo Williams
Premier
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