About 123 Haitian nationals were barred from entering Turks and Caicos illegally in the wee hours of this morning.

A minor was among those intercepted on the boat intercepted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Unit

The other passengers found on the vessel two miles from South Dock include 123 men and four women.

Haitians have been embarking on this risky journey to flee their poverty-stricken country over the years.

The Haitians were handed over to the TCI Regiment and Immigration Enforcement Officers.

The police in Turks have admonished residents to notify the relevant authorities if they come into contact with any illegal activity in their communities

They can also notify Crime Stoppers.