There are two Ecuadorian minors, one of them no older than two years.
As part of maritime patrol, control and surveillance activities, the Colombian Navy safeguarded the lives of ten irregular migrants, when it detected a ship sailing suspiciously approximately 3.5 nautical miles southwest of the island of San Andrés.
Immediately, the Coast Guard Station of San Andrés deployed a Rapid Reaction Unit, which in a few minutes intercepted the boat Gira, with twelve people on board: four Venezuelan adults, three Ecuadorians and a Colombian, as well as two minors of Ecuadorian nationality. In addition, two Nicaraguan crew members, who apparently were the ones who were taking them to Central America.
After carrying out the procedure and verifying their state of health, the Colombian Sailors took the personnel to a safe dock, in order to conduct the relevant procedures. The minors were put into custody of the Colombian Institute of Family Wellbeing - ICBF, for the restoration of their rights.
The two individuals who were driving the boat were arrested for the alleged crime of migrant smuggling, established in article 188 of the Colombian Criminal Code.
It should be noted that the meteorological conditions in the Archipelago department are adverse, with constant rains, an increased wind speed and a decreased visibility on the high seas; situations that put at risk the lives of those traveling on boats that do not comply with the minimum safety regulations.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
