The Coast Guard repatriated 16 people to the Dominican Republic on Thursday following the interdiction of a makeshift vessel in waters off Puerto Rico, according to the Homeland Security Task Force – San Juan Region.
Watchstanders received a report on Monday from the crew of a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft spotting a 22-foot makeshift vessel that was grossly overloaded near Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon interdicted the vessel while a Customs and Border Protection multi-role enforcement aircraft maintained aerial surveillance.
The interdiction is part of ongoing efforts to combat human smuggling and unlawful maritime migration in the region.