Haitian Migrants Rescued from Capsized Freighter

Approximately 55 Haitians are being rescued by Coast Guard and Turks and Caicos rescue crews, 100 meters off the South Dock in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Wednesday.

The Haitian migrants fell into the water Wednesday morning when their overloaded sail freighter capsized off the coast of Providenciales.

The incident was reported from Turks and Caicos police to Coast Guard 7th District command center watchstanders Wednesday morning.  Turks and Caicos officials reported they were on scene with the sail freighter when it capsized. Turks and Caicos police rescued 32 migrants and are continuing rescue efforts for any missing people in the water.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., MH-60 helicopter crew attached to Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos, a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans, MH-65 helicopter crew was immediately launched to search for possible additional people in the water. A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130, the Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge and Coast Guard Cutter Spencer are also en-route to assist.

The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge is a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter, homeported in Miami.

The Coast Guard Cutter Spencer is a 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutter homeported in Boston.

uscgnews.com