The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT - Twenty-four illegal immigrants and one Bahamian were brought back to Freeport after being rescued 20 miles off the Florida coast when their vessel began sinking on Tuesday. Five children, ranging in age from three to 11 years old, were among the group of Haitians rescued by a passing freighter. Immigration Department representative Jerome Hutcheson confirmed that the group was rescued before the vessel completely sank, then turned over to the US Coast Guard. He said they were brought back to Grand Bahama around 8pm on Tuesday. Mr Hutcheson said the group was flown to New Providence on Wednesday for processing.