Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) lifeboat. Photo taken from RBDF Facebook page
The Bahamas Defense Force announced in a memo published this Thursday, July 18, 2024, the end of the search for a boat lost at sea, which had left Abaco on July 4 with approximately 60 migrants on board. No details were given on the nationality of the migrants.
“Acting on intelligence provided by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) has suspended the search for a vessel that reportedly left Abaco on July 4 with approximately 60 migrants on board, bound for Fort Pierce, Florida,” the memo reads.
According to the note, the ship last reported engine problems at 11 p.m. the same day, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
Furthermore, the note highlights that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has launched a comprehensive search operation and has established a detailed outline to facilitate the search efforts.
“The United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducted two search and rescue (SAR) flights on July 7 and 8 in support of the RBDF-led operation. Despite these extensive aerial searches, no sign of the vessel or its passengers was found,” the memo said.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) says it remains committed to the safety and security of all individuals at sea and will continue to monitor the situation for any new developments. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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