48 Haitians (26 men and 22 women), who were trying to get to Puerto Rico illegally, were rescued by the US coast guard and State police. The immigrants were rescued in Cayo Monito, a small island in the Strait of Mona, between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, the federal agency reported on Friday (August 13th) in a statement.

The rescue came after the coast guard was alerted by colleagues on the plane that a group of people were calling for help and emitting light signals.

Coastguard vessel "Winslow Griesser" and MH-6OT Jayhawk helicopter joined the relief operation. The Puerto Rico Police Rapid Action Forces have been advised to provide reinforcements.

Upon arrival, officers of the "Winslow Griesser" found the 48 Haitian immigrants sheltered on a cliff and in several caves on the islet. "It was quite a complex rescue. Haitians were in very bad condition after being abandoned by smugglers in this dangerous and hostile environment," said Lieutenant Benjamin Williamsz, Commander of "Winslow Griesser".

After being rescued, the group of irregular migrant migrants were transported to Mayagüez, west of Puerto Rico, where they were handed over to officials of the United States Customs and Border Protection Office on the island for medical assistance.

S/ iciHaiti