In a search and rescue operation, Coast Guard units of the Colombian Navy safeguarded the lives of 23 migrants at sea, including 15 Venezuelans, 6 Chinese, an Argentine and a Colombian; who were rescued south of San Andrés Island, moments when they were traveling on a boat bound for Central America.
The operation began because the Maritime Traffic and Transport System of the Maritime General Directorate detected the Colombian-registered boat LA BB, moving suspiciously to the south of the island; immediately, a Rapid Reaction Unit – URR of the Coast Guard Station of San Andrés and Providencia was sent to the area in order to verify the situation.
When carrying out the interception at sea, it was found that the ship was illegal and did not have the minimum security conditions to go to sea and did not comply with current maritime regulations; which is why, it was taken by the crew of the Naval Institution to the main Coast Guard dock of San Andrés.
After checking their good health, the rescued people were put into custody of Migración Colombia and the minors were handed over to units of the Childhood and Adolescence Police. The captain of the boat and another crewman, originally from San Andrés and Providencia, were arrested and put into custody of officials of the Technical Investigation Corps – CTI of the Attorney General's Office.
