Mud said in January 2009 a boat sunk near the shores of Anegada (BVI). Probably 8 to 12 people lost their lives in this tragic incident.
The surviving passengers appeared to have lived illegally on Sint Maarten. Leaving Sint Maarten by boat they were hoping to find a new life for themselves elsewhere.
Mud said because of this incident the RST has started an investigation in close cooperation with the authorities in the BVI, the Coastguard, and the Immigration Department, the KPSSS, the Royal Marechaussee and the French authorities.
Three persons were already arrested in this investigation, two of which are still in preliminary detention. He said as the investigation continues four more persons were arrested on Wednesday and there is likelihood that more persons would be arrested in the near future. Based on the delicacy and in the interest of the investigation no further comments would be released on the case.