US Coast Guard repatriates 110 migrants to Haiti

MIAMI, CMC – The United States Coast Guard says the crew from the Cutter Resolute repatriated 110 Haitian migrants on Tuesday after stopping a voyage about 50 miles north of Cap-Haitien, Haiti.

“A forward-deployed Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew spotted a 40-foot vessel Friday overloaded with people,” the US Coast Guard said.

“Resolute’s crew diverted and brought the people aboard out of an abundance of caution for the safety of life at sea.”

“I could not be prouder of the crew for safely interdicting and deterring migrant ventures through coordinated efforts to enforce US and partner nation treaties and laws,” said Justin Vanden Heuvel, commander of Coast Guard Cutter Resolute. 

“Resolute’s crew was exceptional in ensuring the safety of life at sea as well as providing around-the-clock care for 110 guests and creating an atmosphere of compassion and dignity prior to repatriation,” he added. 

Lt. Edwin Valentin, Coast Guard liaison officer, Haiti, said “members of the US Embassy Port au Prince continue to issue anti-migration messaging and to work with host nation government to develop and publish deterrence messaging on illicit maritime migration.

“We would like to thank Coast Guard Cutter Resolute, the Haitian Coast Guard, International Organization for Migration, National Office of Migration, and L’Institut du Bien-Etre Social et de Recherches for a safe, and well-coordinated repatriation effort,” he said. 

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