The crew of the US Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser and two Dominican Republic Navy vessels rescued 61 migrants Monday (October 05, 2026) morning from a grossly overloaded, sinking vessel in the Atlantic Ocean off the Dominican Republic.
All 61 people aboard were safely rescued and transferred to Dominican Republic Navy assets on scene. Their nationalities have not yet been determined.
“Thanks to the rapid response of the Coast Guard and Dominican Republic Navy rescue crews, 61 lives were saved from an overloaded, sinking vessel,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. “However, these dangerous and unlawful voyages are increasing, and our luck will eventually run out. Do not risk your life with ruthless smugglers. Choose safe, lawful migration pathways; if caught, you could face prosecution or immediate repatriation.”
At approximately 5:50 a.m., the Winslow Griesser detected a suspect 30-foot makeshift vessel taking on water about 12 nautical miles northwest of Cabo Cabrón, Dominican Republic. The cutter was transiting Dominican Republic territorial waters under a joint bilateral agreement to deter unlawful maritime migration when the vessel was spotted.
Once alongside, the cutter crew confirmed the craft was rapidly taking on water and immediately began embarking the passengers. Coast Guard watchstanders also launched an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Borinquen to provide overhead support, and a Dominican Air Force aircraft responded as well.
Shortly afterward, Dominican Republic Navy patrol boats Capella (CG-108) and Algenib (Ll-169) arrived and assisted. Together, the crews embarked all 61 survivors and transferred them to Dominican Republic Navy assets at the scene.
The rescue follows a similar voyage last week that capsized in the Mona Passage, throwing more than 60 people into the water. A multi-agency response involving the Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA), and Dominican Navy assets rescued 49 people and recovered three deceased. Several remain unaccounted for.
Migrants interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore will not be allowed to remain in the United States or a U.S. territory. Individuals who arrive unlawfully may also be declared ineligible for certain legal immigration parole options and face repatriation to their country of origin or return to their country of departure.
The Coast Guard, working with partners under Operation Vigilant Sentry and Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, maintains a continuous presence with air, land, and sea assets in the Florida Straits, Windward Passage, Mona Passage, and Caribbean Sea. The layered approach is intended to protect life at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry into the United States and its territories.
