U.S. Coast Guard repatriates 51 Dominican and Haitian migrants to Dominican Republic

The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 51 Dominican and Haitian migrants to the Dominican Republic on Tuesday after intercepting an overloaded vessel off the coast of Aguadilla, northwestern Puerto Rico.

The vessel was detected by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) aircraft, prompting the Coast Guard to deploy a ship and helicopter to intercept it.

Authorities said 34 Dominican nationals were aboard, including 30 men, two women and two minors, along with 17 Haitian nationals, including 15 men and two women.

The adults were transferred to the Dominican Republic Navy, while the two minors were placed under the care of the National Council for Children and Adolescents (CONANI).

Coast Guard Commander Matthew Pinhey highlighted cooperation among U.S. federal agencies, Puerto Rican authorities and the Dominican Navy in efforts to prevent irregular maritime migration through the Mona Passage.

Pinhey warned that these crossings are particularly dangerous because migrants often travel aboard overloaded and unseaworthy vessels without adequate lifesaving equipment.

The Mona Passage, which separates the Dominican Republic from Puerto Rico, is a frequently used route for migrants departing Hispaniola in attempts to reach Puerto Rico.