Migrants may surrender after infant falls ill

(CMR) The Cuban nationals and a Dominican mother onboard the Panamanian bulk carrier Bulk Freedom have run into some issues this evening. CMR exclusive sources have shared that the infant child now has a fever and requires medical attention.

Earlier in the day, they claimed that they were going on a hunger strike and would only need food for the baby. However, this plan has now changed and some sources have indicated they may be willing to surrender to Cayman authorities.

After 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening a live stream revealed that they were running out of data on their phones and requested top-up credit from sympathizers. After another few hours, it was shared that the infant child is running a temperature of 102.2F and they had requested medical assistance for the child.

After initially turning down assistance for the child they then started making a plea for help. At first, the crew indicated they would not assist them tonight because they are “playing games” and the door would not be open until 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning. However, desperation has now set in for the welfare of the child.

Following some intense negotiations, it was revealed that the child's mother, Erika would be permitted to leave with the child with the promise that she will not be charged and taken into police custody. There is a doctor on board but the child requires a visit to the hospital.

The standoff with the 10 migrants and 3 other Cuban nationals has gotten tense at times with the police at the door earlier today preparing to storm into the room with non-lethal weapons. However, that plan was abandoned. One gentleman did agree to leave the vessel to act as a negotiator. He is now in quarantine at a local hotel.

They have shared numerous social media live streams where they expressed a desire to go anywhere but the Cayman Islands. CMR understands that they wished to go to the United States. However, the owner of the vessel contacted the Cayman Islands and agreed to return them to this jurisdiction.

Before this latest development, officers were told tonight to stand down until tomorrow morning.