Just before 4pm Monday, the RCIPS helicopter was on routine maritime patrol when the crew spotted a vessel 40 miles south east of Grand Cayman. The 20-foot sailing boat was drifting in the water with nine people on board.
The occupants were seen to wave a white flag and had no radio communications.
The helicopter crew established – through signing – that the boaters needed assistance.
Because of the distance the boaters were located from shore, the police crew identified a tanker approximately 10 miles away, the MV Emma Bulkers. The helicopter crew established radio contact with the tanker and requested that it render assistance. The tanker was guided to the sailing vessel, and all nine people were taken on board the tanker, which then continued to head towards Grand Cayman.
All nine Cubans appeared to be in good health.
The Joint Marine Unit vessel Cayman Guardian along with police, customs and immigration officers, deployed and met with the tanker. The Cubans were transferred to RCIPS Guardian and transported to George Town.
Immigration officials met the boat on arrival.
Related Videos
Does anyone know what was the mission of these nine Cuban nationals and where they were heading? Thankfully the RCIPS spotted them and alerted the tanker to proceed to the rescue of these stranded men.
As always, I am sure the Compass will publish details of the outcome of this situation.