Among the rescued people are 16 minors.
392 migrants have been rescued at sea in 2023.
Colombian Navy units safeguarded the lives of 55 irregular migrants in two rescue events at sea, which took place southwest of San Andrés Island.
Thanks to the resources of the Traffic Control and Maritime Surveillance System, the Colombian-registered boat QUICK CASH was detected moving suspiciously to the south of the island, immediately, a major unit of the Colombian Navy, together with Coast Guard units from San Andrés, moved to the area in order to verify the situation.
When carrying out the interception at sea, it was found that the ship was traveling without the required documentation and did not have the minimum security conditions to go to sea, in violation of current maritime regulations. There were 38 people on board, allegedly irregular migrants, including 15 minors. The boat was taken by the Naval Institution to the main Coast Guard dock in San Andres.
Simultaneously, crew members of the Naval checkpoint No. 27 of Cayo Albuquerque Island, identified in the area the landing of a group of people in Cayo Pescador, immediately, a Rapid Reaction Unit of the Coast Guard Station of San Andrés was taken to the area for the review of the place. When they arrived, 17 irregular migrants were found by troops, including a minor, who said they had been abandoned.
After checking the good state of health, the 55 people safeguarded, in total 45 Venezuelans, 6 Azerbaijanis, 3 Ecuadorians and one Dominican, were put into custody of Migracion Colombia, and the minors to the Childhood and Adolescence Police. The captain of the boat QUICK CASH and two crew members, originally from San Andrés, were arrested and put into custody of officers of the Judicial Police – SIJIN.
Within the framework of the Ayacucho Campaign Plan, the Caribbean Naval Force, through the Specific Command of San Andrés and Providencia, will continue to work for the safeguarding of human life at sea.
Source: Press - Navy of Colombia
