Ferry Assists in the Rescue of 6 Migrants Capsized Near Mona Island

By Our Correspondent

The ferry, “KYDON” responded to an emergency situation and rescued 6 migrants off Mona Island’s Sardinera Beach on Monday, according to FleetMon

It stated: “Mona Island, situated in the passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, serves as a preferred location for human traffickers transporting migrants en route to the United States. The island’s coastline is predominantly rocky, except for a stretch of shore known as Playa Sardinera. This area also serves as the base for the Park Ranger Corps, Puerto Rico’s Natural Resources Department division.

“On Sunday night, a migrant vessel capsized near Playa Sardinera, prompting the swift response of the park rangers. Upon hearing cries for help, the rangers promptly contacted the US Coast Guard (USCG) for assistance, with the distress call made at 11:30 PM. The Coast Guard dispatched the cutter “USCGC Margaret Norvell” and an Ocean Sentry aircraft for search and rescue operations from their San Juan Base.

“Simultaneously, the San Juan Sector requested aid from the car ferry KYDON, which happened to be in the vicinity of Mona Island at the time. The KYDON promptly altered its course to provide assistance.

“The Ocean Sentry aircraft successfully located one of the migrants swimming towards the shore after illuminating the area with a flare. This rescued migrant informed the responders that five more individuals were aboard the capsized vessel. The search continued, revealing that the remaining five migrants had already safely reached the shore with the assistance of the Park Rangers.

“Remarkably, all six migrants survived the ordeal and have been transported for processing. Commander Gerard Wenk of Coast Guard Sector San Juan clarified that, as migrants intercepted at sea, they are ineligible for parole and will be returned to their home country.”