Men beached by Paloma remain in custody

(CNS): Police said yesterday that eight men who were found aboard a boat beached in Little Cayman following the passing of Hurricane Paloma have been detained for illegal entry. Their nationalities are apparently unknown but the men were discovered safe and uninjured aboard the boat on the north side of the island on Saturday safe and uninjured.

The men were first accommodated at the Little Cayman Beach Resort and were then spoken to by the local police. On Monday (November 10), Marine Officers and Drugs Task Force officers traveled to Little Cayman aboard Cayman Defender, supported by Cayman Protector, to continue with enquiries.

The vessel that the men were on, as well as a second, smaller boat found birthed on the beach, were searched and the men have been detained for illegal entry into the Cayman Islands. The men, none of whom are Caymanian, will now be dealt with by Immigration officers. Investigations are continuing to ascertain and confirm the men’s nationalities and purpose for being on the water.

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling crime stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.