From RCIPS Thu, Jun 11, 2015 at 9:38 AM

On the morning of Wednesday 10 June 2015, the crew of the RCIPS Air Operations Unit helicopter on routine offshore patrol saw a vessel containing 18 Cuban migrants 25 miles south west of Little Cayman.  On closer inspection, the crew saw the vessel was in poor condition, dead in the water and the occupants signaling – they were in urgent need of assistance. 

 A rescue operation was launched from Grand Cayman with the Joint Marine Unit vessels Cayman Guardian and Tornado, accompanied by Immigration Officers.  Both vessels were guided to the scene by the helicopter crew, resulting in all 18 being transferred to Cayman Guardian.   Three of the migrants were suffering severe dehydration, and were treated initially by a Marine Unit medic.  On return to Grand Cayman, two of the three were taken to hospital for further treatment, the remaining sixteen being transferred to the Immigration Detention Centre for further investigation.

 Due to the potential danger to shipping , the Cubans vessel, which was already taking on water, was sunk at scene by JMU staff.

 Detective Superintendent Robert Scotland, head of Pro-Active Operations said  “There can be no doubt that eighteen lives have been saved by the patrol strategy of our helicopter crews and timely response of the Marine Unit vessels, and working with our colleagues from the Immigration Department.” 

 -Ends-

 Attached photos:  1. Vessel seen by Helicopter crew   2. Cayman Guardian and MV Tornado effecting rescue.