Boat carrying Haitian migrants sinks off Bahamas, killing 17
Published:Monday | July 25, 2022 | 8:59 AM
MEXICO CITY (AP) — A boat carrying Haitian migrants apparently capsized off the Bahamas early Sunday, and Bahamian security forces recovered the bodies of 17 people and rescued 25 others, authorities said.
It wasn't clear if there were any people missing after the boat sank about seven miles from New Providence.
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said in a statement that the dead included 15 women, one man and an infant.
He said the people rescued were taken for observation by health workers.
Davis said investigators had determined that a twin-engine speed boat left the Bahamas about 1 a.m. carrying as many as 60 people, apparently bound for Miami.
Davis said a criminal investigation had begun into the suspected human smuggling operation.
“I would like to convey the condolences of my government and the people of the Bahamas to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” Davis said.
“My government, from the time it came to office, has warned against these treacherous voyages.”
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he sympathised with the parents of the victims.
“This new drama saddens the whole nation,” he said. “I launch, once again, an appeal for national reconciliation in order to solve the problems that are driving away, far from our soil, our brothers, our sisters, our children.”
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