Hearings Start For Would-Be Migrants Found Aboard Vessel Off BC Coast

As detention hearings for dozens of men discovered aboard a rusty ship off the BC coast began Tuesday, the federal government said it plans to take a hard line in dealing with the 76 would-be migrants.

The group, believed to be comprised of Tamils fleeing Sri Lanka, was discovered by RCMP officers aboard the Ocean Lady in the waters off Vancouver Island on Friday.

It’s believed the men, ranging in age from 15 to 45, will make refugee claims, many of which the government describes as “bogus”, according to a published report. The men are currently being held at a corrections facility in Vancouver.

There’s speculation this incident is related to the arrest of a notorious human smuggler recently arrested in Australia. Federal officials are apparently preparing new legislation to deal with the growing problem.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today