Migrants now being
transferred to CFB Esquimalt
WebPosted Aug 12 1999 5:50 PM PDT
VANCOUVER - 130 migrants -- believed to
be 70 men, 40 women and 20 children -- are now on their way to
CFB Esquimalt. They're expected to arrive around midnight.
Immigration
officials are trying to explain why the migrants were forced
to swim to shore before being picked up by coast guard
vessels. And why search and rescue crews initially missed four
migrants found wandering in the bush today
George Varnai, the regional manager for Immigration Canada
says the seas were too rough to attempt boarding at sea. And
Varnai says that the ground search had to be called off last
night because of darkness.
Speaking in Vancouver today, Varnai said he couldn't
guarantee there are no more migrants on the loose.
The eight Korean crewmembers will be kept in custody at the
Port Hardy RCMP detachment. Varnai said a decision as to
whether any charges will be laid under the immigration act
would happen behind closed doors.
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