The United States Coast Guard stopped a migrant boat headed for America, leading to the arrest of three fugitives allegedly affiliated with a criminal gang, according to a Tuesday press release.
The Coast Guard reported that the “unlawful migration voyage” was interdicted on Friday in Mona Passage, a strait separating Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
The 20-foot boat was spotted Friday morning by aircrew with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations multi-role enforcement aircraft, the Coast Guard’s press release explained.
Eight individuals and multiple cockfighting roosters were found on board. The migrants told the Coast Guard that they departed from the Dominican Republic and were heading to Puerto Rico when their boat experienced engine malfunctions. The crew had attempted to turn the ship around and head back when they were discovered by authorities.
