USCG Apprehends Eight Stowaways Aboard Barge Arriving in Puerto Rico from Florida

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has apprehended eight stowaways, including four Chinese nationals and four individuals from the Dominican Republic, aboard a barge that arrived in San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, from Jacksonville, Florida.

According to reports, the incident was detected after the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations Center alerted authorities regarding possible unauthorized individuals onboard the barge being towed by the U.S.-flagged tug Southern Dawn. The vessel had reportedly departed Jacksonville on May 16 and proceeded directly to Puerto Rico without making any foreign port calls.

Following the report, Coast Guard personnel conducted an operation that led to the apprehension of the eight individuals. Authorities subsequently transferred them to CBP officials for further processing and investigation.

Officials noted that the case is considered unusual because the vessel originated from the continental United States rather than from a foreign port. Investigators are still determining how and when the individuals boarded the barge, as well as the circumstances surrounding their attempted arrival in Puerto Rico.

The Coast Guard emphasized that the operation reflected the continued coordination between federal agencies responsible for maritime border security and law enforcement in the region. Authorities also highlighted the importance of maintaining vigilance over maritime transportation routes to prevent unauthorized entry and other potential security concerns.