In a nighttime operation, the Colombian Navy rescued 32 irregular migrants who were traveling in precarious vessels towards Central American countries. Among the group of migrants was a Cuban national.
The Specific Command of San Andrés and Providencia intercepted two vessels flying Nicaraguan flags in the southeastern part of the San Andrés archipelago. The Coast Guard Station deployed a maritime interdiction operation to stop them.
Naval Captain Carlos Urbano, Chief of Staff of the Specific Command of San Andrés and Providencia, reported that among the migrants were 16 Venezuelans, five Indians, four Colombians, two Haitians, one Cuban, one Ecuadorian, one Nepali, and one Jordanian.
After the rescue, it was verified that the vessels lacked the basic safety elements necessary to safeguard human life at sea.
The migrants were taken to the dock of the San Andrés Coast Guard Station where their health status was evaluated, and they were placed under the authority of immigration officials. Minors were placed under the custody of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare.
The four crew members of the vessels were captured and are currently in the custody of the Attorney General's Office for the alleged crime of human trafficking.
The presence of a Cuban among the rescued highlights the desperation of the island’s citizens, who are seeking to escape an unsustainable situation marked by shortages of food, medicine, and lack of freedoms.
Details on the Migrant Rescue Operation
This section aims to provide more information about the recent migrant rescue operation by the Colombian Navy, focusing on key questions and answers that readers might find useful.
Who were the migrants rescued by the Colombian Navy?
The Colombian Navy rescued 32 irregular migrants, including 16 Venezuelans, five Indians, four Colombians, two Haitians, one Cuban, one Ecuadorian, one Nepali, and one Jordanian.
Where were the vessels intercepted?
The vessels were intercepted in the southeastern part of the San Andrés archipelago, flying Nicaraguan flags.
What happened to the crew members of the vessels?
The four crew members were captured and are currently in the custody of the Attorney General's Office for the alleged crime of human trafficking.
What measures were taken for the minors among the migrants?
Minors were placed under the custody of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare.