U.S. Coast Guard repatriates 63 migrants to Dominican Republic

The U.S. Coast Guard has repatriated 63 Dominican and Haitian migrants to the Dominican Republic following the interception of an overloaded, makeshift vessel in the Mona Passage near Puerto Rico.

The vessel, approximately 30 feet in length, was detected by a surveillance aircraft roughly 70 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla. The crew of the Coast Guard cutter Winslow Griesser intercepted the craft and transferred 63 individuals—59 Dominicans and seven Haitians—to two Dominican Navy vessels, the Bellatrix and Acrux.

Three remaining occupants are currently in federal custody in the United States as authorities conduct investigations and evaluate potential charges regarding illegal reentry attempts.