Illegal immigration catastrophe – St. Maarten lawmen expected in BVI, police confirm 5 deaths

St. Maarten law enforcement authorities are expected in the Territory this evening to assist the RVIPF in their investigations into the case regarding the illegal entry of over 25 illegal immigrants into the territory. The individuals are believed to have come from the Dutch island.

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Presently police along with other law enforcement and rescue agencies continue their search efforts after a boat carrying mostly Haitian immigrants ran aground on a reef off Brandywine Bay around midnight last night.

Her Majesty’s Customs, Virgin Islands Search and Rescue and U.S. Coast Guard were part of the early efforts to rescue individuals from the waters around the wreckage and to detain those that had made it on to shore.

Five bodies were found in the water and at the scene of the wreckage – two females, one male and two children. Among the survivors were 14 males and 11 females, six of which were hospitalized. Some 19 detainees are being held at the Detention Centre in Balshum Ghut.

A 25-foot fiberglass boat which is believed to have transported the group has since been removed from scene and is now at the Police Marine Base.

The Governor and Premier have both been notified of the situation and have been briefed on the conditions of the detainees and any possible threats to the BVI public in light of the cholera epidemic in Haiti.

On this situation, the Governor has stated that his office has been in contact with the Haitian government to brief them on this incident.

In addition, the Ministry of Health and Social Development along with the BVI Health Services Authority are collaborating on health issues related to the detainees and are taking all necessary precautions to safeguard the BVI public. Presently, there are no known risks to the general population as none of the detainees are exhibiting signs or symptoms of the cholera disease. However, the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and are working closely with other agencies to ensure the safety of the public.