Following upon a search in Eleuthera, near Weymss Bight and Bannerman Town, an additional 49 Haitian nationals were apprehended (28 male/14 female/7 children) last evening. Flights are on standby to bring them to Nassau. This adds to the twenty-four brought in previously bringing to total to date to 73.

It appears that there were two landings at Eleuthera and those individuals were on board those boats.

Three Haitian nationals and a Bahamian national will be charged under the amended Immigration Act for harbouring illegal persons. In the case of the three Haitian nationals, who are work permit holders, three illegal migrants were found and arrested at their place of residence, Bannerman Town Eleuthera; several other persons fled from their home and escaped arrest. The Bahamian, a resident of Weymss Bight, Eleuthera, is also in custody as five illegal migrants were found at his home.

The captains of the two vessels involved in this latest incident were identified. Both will be charged for assisting in these illegal landings.

In addition, another body was found at James Cistern, Eleuthera. This brings to two the number of deaths associated with this incident.

Another Haitian national, living in the Bahamas without status, is to be charged with damaging public property when he intentionally damaged an Immigration vehicle.