Boatload of Haitians picked up by police in Portland

A group of 16 Haitians, including two children, is now in police custody after they reportedly arrived by boat on the coast of Portland under the cover of darkness.

The group, which consists of 10 adult men, four adult women and two children, was picked up by police in western Portland on Thursday morning.

Authorities believe they were among a larger group that landed shortly after midnight off the coast of either Hope Bay or St Margaret's Bay.

Reports are that residents became suspicious after spotting unfamiliar people and a boat along a beach in the area and alerted the police.

Lawmen responded and detained the group, who were later transported to the Port Antonio Police Station.

The Haitians are expected to undergo screening and medical examinations as investigations continue.

It is understood that the vessel may have landed undetected and investigators are now trying to determine whether additional persons managed to leave the area before the police arrived.

Police have not yet disclosed where the group departed from or their intended destination.

More information is expected as the investigation develops.

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