On Wednesday, February 14, just before midnight, following a joint operation between Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Officers and US Customs and Border Control, a vessel transporting suspected illegal immigrants was observed and intercepted, just off the shores of Cooper Island.

The vessel ran ashore on Cooper Island and 25 adults and children were found. Additional searches conducted during daylight around the island led to the discovery of an additional 10 individuals. The illegal immigrants have been handed over to the Immigration Department.

The whereabouts of the captain is currently unknown. Investigations are ongoing in the matter.