A joint operation between the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and US Customs and Border Control earlier this week, led to the interception of a vessel suspected of carrying illegal immigrants.
The incident unfolded just before midnight on February 14, and according to police reports, the vessel ran ashore on Cooper Island where 25 adults and children were found.
Subsequent searches in the daylight around the island unveiled an additional 10 persons, bringing the total to 35 apprehended individuals, who were then handed over to the Immigration Department.
The police said the whereabouts of the captain are currently unknown and investigations are ongoing.
The BVI has increasingly found itself grappling with issues surrounding illegal immigration, human smuggling, and trafficking.
According to Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, US$700,000 was allocated in 2023 towards the development of a detention centre that will house and process illegal immigrants in a humane manner, and in accordance with international conventions, until they are safely repatriated to their homeland.
