At least 17 dead after boat carrying Haitians capsizes in The Bahamas
Seventeen people died after a boat carrying dozens of Haitian migrants capsized off the coast of The Bahamas, authorities said yesterday, as more Haitians attempt to reach the United States to flee gang violence and poverty at home.
Rescue teams recovered the bodies of 17 people, including an infant, and 25 people were rescued, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis told a news conference. Davis said authorities believe they were on a speedboat heading for Miami.
“It is believed that the vessel capsized in rough seas,” he said.
Up to 60 people may have been on board and more people were presumed missing, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said.
Bahamian authorities said that two people were taken into custody, both from Bahamas, over the suspected human smuggling operation. All those on board recovered alive or dead or who were still missing were believed to be migrants from Haiti.
The Bahamas police said the boat capsized some 7 miles (11 kilometers) off the island of New Providence.
The Bahamas is a frequent transit route for Haitians seeking to reach the United States. Dangerous sea voyages in rickety vessels have become increasingly common over the last year as Haitians flee poverty and rising gang violence.
Immigration Minister Keith Bell said survivors indicated that they paid between $3,000 and $8,000 for the voyage.
“We mourn lives lost of those seeking a better way of life,” Bell said. “Those here with families and friends in Haiti, encourage your loved ones not to risk their lives.”
In May, a boat carrying 842 Haitian migrants bound for the United States strayed off course and washed ashore along the north coast of Cuba instead.
That same month, 11 people drowned when a vessel carrying Haitian migrants capsized near Puerto Rico.
“It is believed that the vessel capsized in rough seas,” he said.
Up to 60 people may have been on board and more people were presumed missing, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said.
Bahamian authorities said that two people were taken into custody, both from Bahamas, over the suspected human smuggling operation. All those on board recovered alive or dead or who were still missing were believed to be migrants from Haiti.
The Bahamas police said the boat capsized some 7 miles (11 kilometers) off the island of New Providence.
The Bahamas is a frequent transit route for Haitians seeking to reach the United States. Dangerous sea voyages in rickety vessels have become increasingly common over the last year as Haitians flee poverty and rising gang violence.
Immigration Minister Keith Bell said survivors indicated that they paid between $3,000 and $8,000 for the voyage.
“We mourn lives lost of those seeking a better way of life,” Bell said. “Those here with families and friends in Haiti, encourage your loved ones not to risk their lives.”
In May, a boat carrying 842 Haitian migrants bound for the United States strayed off course and washed ashore along the north coast of Cuba instead.
That same month, 11 people drowned when a vessel carrying Haitian migrants capsized near Puerto Rico.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
