Within the framework of maritime control and surveillance operations, the Colombian Navy, through the Coast Guard Station of San Andrés, rescued 33 migrants in two different procedures; the first carried out to the west of the island of San Andrés and the second, in Pescador Key of Albuquerque.
The first 22 people were safeguarded when a Rapid Reaction Unit - URR, found and inspected a ship named Proverbios 19:21, driven by two individuals of Colombian nationality, carrying ten adults and three minors of Venezuelan citizenship, six Indians, two Ecuadorians and a Colombian, who apparently would have as destination Central America.
The two individuals were arrested for the alleged crime of migrant smuggling, established in Article 188 of the Colombian Criminal Code.
The second case occurred in Albuquerque's Cayo Pescador, when 11 Venezuelan migrants, including three minors, were abandoned by the individuals who would allegedly lead them to Central America. The units of the Specific Command of San Andrés and Providencia- CESYP came to their rescue, bringing them to safety.
After verifying their state of health, the staff was taken to a safe dock and placed at the put into custody of of the authorities to carry out the appropriate procedures. The minors, for their part, were handed over to the Colombian Family Wellbeing Institute - ICBF, for the restoration of their rights.
It should be noted that the meteorological conditions in the archipelago during the last days have not been favorable, presenting cloudy weather with a high probability of scattered rains and thunderstorms that decrease visibility at sea, endangering the good physical condition of those who decide to undertake this trip without the minimum safety conditions for navigation.
Source: Colombian Navy - Caribbean Naval Force Press
