Forty-eight Hondurans are now in the custody of the Marine police after they were held just off the coast of the Pedro Banks while allegedly fishing illegally.

According to reports, the group of Hondurans which includes at least three teenagers, between the ages of 13 and 15, were rescued during two days of search and rescue operation which began on Sunday night.

Reports are that personnel from the Jamaica Defence Force saw two suspicious vessels in the waters and went to investigate.

The vessels reportedly fled as coast guards approached, leaving the 48 persons behind.