Coast Guard Intercepts Migrants in Mona Passage, Rescues Survivors from Capsized Boat
The U.S. Coast Guard has recently taken significant action in the Mona Passage, a critical waterway between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. On April 20, the Coast Guard Cutter ‘Joseph Tezanos’ successfully repatriated 21 migrants to the Dominican Republic after intercepting their makeshift vessel in international waters. The interdiction occurred on the night of April 19, following a routine patrol by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) aircraft. During the operation, one migrant was found with an active arrest warrant from the Puerto Rico Police and remains in custody.
Details of the Interdiction
The Coast Guard’s intervention began when the CBP aircraft detected a suspicious vessel northwest of Aguadilla. Immediate action was taken, with Sector San Juan watchstanders redirecting the Coast Guard Cutter to the location. Upon arrival, the crew launched an Over the Horizon small boat to stop the suspect vessel. They successfully rescued 18 men and two women who identified themselves as nationals of the Dominican Republic, in addition to two men claiming to be from Haiti.
Lieutenant Commander Ross Markham, commanding officer of the ‘Joseph Tezanos,’ emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Coast Guard and CBP, stating, “This successful interdiction is the result of the strong collaboration… which resulted in 22 lives saved.” He also issued a warning to potential migrants about the dangers of such journeys, citing hazardous sea conditions and the risk of criminal prosecution or repatriation.
Once aboard the Cutter, migrants received essential services, including food, water, and medical attention, before being processed for identification. The Coast Guard, as part of Operation Vigilant Sentry, maintains a vigilant presence in the Caribbean to ensure the safety of maritime activities and prevent illegal entries into the U.S. and its territories.
Tragic Capsizing Incident
In a separate incident, two migrants were rescued from the waters off Shacks Beach, Puerto Rico, after their boat capsized during rough weather on October 4, 2025. The migrants had set sail from the Dominican Republic on October 2. The Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen responded quickly, deploying a Jayhawk helicopter to the scene. They rescued two individuals from the water, while one person was found unconscious and unresponsive, and another remained unaccounted for.
Reports indicate that the migrants were part of a group of seven in peril at sea. The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the U.S. Border Patrol and the Puerto Rico Police Department. Small craft advisories were in effect at the time, creating hazardous marine conditions with 10-foot seas and 12 mph winds.
The incidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting perilous sea voyages. The Coast Guard continues to stress the importance of safety and the inherent dangers associated with these journeys. As they maintain operations in the region, authorities remain committed to safeguarding lives at sea while enforcing maritime laws.
