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by pltm
(PLTM) - Ten illegal immigrants were caught off Virgin Gorda (VG) and Prickly Pear Island on Thursday June 25.
The captain of the vessel was also nabbed and has since been charged.
The captain, Crawford Sabaroche, a 53-year-old native of Dominica residing in St. Maarten was arrested and charged for being Engaged in Illegal Smuggling and Illegal Entry.
He is currently being held at Paradise Suites pending his appearance at the Magistrate’s Court. The remaining immigrants are also being held at Paradise Suites pending deportation.
Police did not state the nationalities of the immigrants but BVI Platinum News understands that they are Haitians.
According to a police press release at approximately 3:30 pm, Police Marine Unit Received a call from a concerned member of the community regarding a white sailing vessel that allegedly dropped off persons with backpacks at Prickly Pear Island.
The Joint Task Force made up of RVIPF, Immigration and Customs Officers, responded and intercepted a white sailing vessel on the North Western side of the island heading North away from the island.
Two officers stayed on the sailing vessel to conduct inquiries while the remainder proceeded to search Prickly Pear Island, where they found 5 males and 1 female taking refuge in a small building.
An additional search was conducted the following day which uncovered 4 more persons, 2 on the beach front of the island and 2 on Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda bringing the total of Illegal Immigrants to 10 persons.
As a result of inquiries, the lone occupant of the sailing vessel, who was the captain.
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