FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Deputies in St. Lucie County said Tuesday they are investigating an "illegal migrant landing" in Fort Pierce.
In a post on the agency's Facebook page, the sheriff's office said local and federal law enforcement agencies are conducting an active investigation in the 1900 block of Seaway Drive.
Investigators said that at about 2 p.m., they received a message from U.S. Border Protection regarding a possible migrant vessel in the area.
The sheriff's office said its marine unit and the Coast Guard spotted and intercepted the migrants' boat, beaching it east of Fort Pierce Inlet.
When the immigrants reached land, the sheriff's office said they ran and scattered in multiple directions.
Officials said 10 individuals were in custody, and they were looking for one other person.
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Lt. Andrew Bolonka said they are looking for a man last seen in the 1600 block of Binney Drive. The man was seen wearing blue jeans and a white shirt. The investigation has been handed over to Customs and Border Protection.
Investigators said the migrants on board were from Haiti, Jamaica, Venezuela, Guyana and the Bahamas.
Residents who live in the surrounding area were "urged to remain vigilant" and call 911 if they spotted "any suspicious individuals or activity."
"Do not attempt to approach or engage anyone suspected to be involved," the sheriff's office posted on their Facebook page.
