An overcrowded migrant vessel carrying 240 people and taking on water was intercepted near the Turks and Caicos Islands after authorities raced to prevent a potential maritime disaster.The U.S. Coast Guard said it conducted a joint operation Sunday with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) to stop a vessel carrying hundreds of migrants who claimed Haitian nationality.According to a Coast Guard news release, authorities received a report of “an unlawful migrant voyage” approximately 15 miles south of the Turks and Caicos Islands.Video released by the Coast Guard shows responding crews assisting local authorities as they secured and towed the overcrowded vessel.TURKS AND CAICOS TRAVEL WARNING ISSUED AS MIGRANTS DESCEND ON POPULAR VACATION SPOT IN DROVESThe Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force later took custody of the vessel and its passengers, the Coast Guard said.More than 140 personnel participated in the operation, according to the agency.”The successful interdiction and safe removal of these individuals from a perilous situation was made possible by the close collaboration and swift response of the Coast Guard, CBP AMO personnel, and authorities from the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Lt. Chelsea Garcia, deputy director of Coast Guard Operations Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, said in a statement.ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS STORM US BEACHES AS COAST GUARD BATTLES MIGRANT SURGE THAT ROSE UNDER BIDEN”We strongly advise anyone considering participating in an unlawful maritime migration attempt to reconsider,” Garcia continued. “These journeys are extremely hazardous, frequently involving severely overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels that are…
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