Coast Guard rescues 11 Haitian migrants left stranded by smugglers on Monito Island, Puerto Rico

09/12/2024 01:49 PM EDT

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon rescued 11 migrants, Saturday, who were left stranded by smugglers on the uninhabited natural reserve of Monito Island, Puerto Rico, in the Mona Passage. The rescue involved efforts and coordination with Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG) partner agencies. “Deterring dangerous and irregular migration to the United States by sea is both a matter of ensuring U.S. border security and a lifesaving mission for those who take to the sea without understanding the hazards and perils of this journey,” said Lt. Peter Diamontopulos, Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon commanding officer. “I am extremely proud of my crew’s ability to rescue all 11 migrants from a highly dangerous environment with no food or water and exposure to the elements.  The risk to life is not worth it, taking to the sea is never the answer, seek legal migration pathways.”