Boat thieves arrested trying to flee the Islands

Boat owners and marina officials should be on high alert as boat thieves are out in full force.

In a second reported incident this month, marine police on patrol intercepted a stolen vessel, with the thieves onboard, attempting to leave the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The bandits – two brothers aged 19 and 22 – are residents of Dock Yard, in Downtown Providenciales.

Police reported this week that the vessel is believed to have been stolen from Leeward sometime on Friday, January 20.

According to preliminary police reports, in the early morning hours of Saturday, officers received information whilst on surveillance at sea.

Based on the information obtained, an attempt was made to intercept a 24 ft. Boston Whaler, yellow and white vessel, but the vessel was not compliant, and a high-speed chase ensued.

After several attempts, the vessel was brought to a forced stop and the men were arrested and detained.

This is the second interception of a stolen vessel made by the Marine Branch in recent weeks, where individuals were attempting to leave the TCI.

The prior incident occurred on December 31, when three men onboard, a white Baha was nabbed in the Five Cays area by marine police, also trying to leave TCI waters. That boat was stolen from Leeward.

Police are urging any person with information surrounding this incident to contact the nearest