Coast Guard repatriates 60 migrants after Mona Passage interdiction.

By THE STAR STAFF

The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 60 migrants to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after intercepting an unlawful migration vessel in the Mona Passage, northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The group included 54 individuals who claimed Haitian nationality (43 men and 11 women) and six who claimed Dominican nationality (five men and one woman). No minors were identified.

The interdiction took place last Friday afternoon after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft detected a makeshift vessel about 50 nautical miles from Aguadilla during a routine patrol. Coast Guard Sector San Juan coordinated the response, diverting the cutter Thetis and deploying an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen.

Upon arrival, the Thetis launched a small boat crew that gained control of the vessel. All migrants were then safely taken aboard the cutter.

Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response, said the coordinated effort between agencies led to a successful interdiction and saved lives. He warned that these voyages are extremely dangerous, often involving overloaded, unseaworthy vessels without lifesaving equipment, putting passengers at high risk of capsizing and death.

After boarding the cutter, migrants were provided food, water, shelter, and basic medical care while authorities processed their identification ahead of repatriation.

The Coast Guard, working with partners under Operation Vigilant Sentry, continues to maintain a strong presence across key Caribbean routes to deter unlawful maritime migration and safeguard lives at sea.