Rough seas capsized a 30-foot speed boat carrying an estimated 50 to 60 Haitian migrants on board in the Bahamas on Sunday. So far, rescuers have discovered 17 deceased passengers. The country’s leader suspected it was a “human smuggling operation,” Bahamian officials reported at a press conference.
Around 1 a.m., Royal Bahamas Police and Defense Force received a call about the incident seven miles away from New Providence. Among the 17 found dead, 15 of them were females, and the other two were a man and an infant. Rescuers saved 25 people who were snecked to the boat, but officials are still searching for bodies and survivors. Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said it was hard for police to identify the vessel at night due to the boat being submerged in the water and blending with the ocean’s color.
A female survivor was among the 17 bodies and was able to knock on the hull of the boat, and her head was spotted sticking out from the hull of the ship, where she was able to breathe.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that a twin-engine speed boat left a docking facility off West Bay Street around 1 a.m. with approximately 60 people on board,” Philip Davis, the Bahamas Prime Minister, said. “It is believed that their final destination was Miami, Florida.”
“Law enforcement officials will update you on the criminal matter as well as other rescue and recovery efforts,” Davis assured. “However, 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.”
The Prime Minister condemned the actions of the Haitian migrants on the boat and stated that they were increasing security on land and sea to ensure nothing like this happens again.
“We take this opportunity to strongly condemn the organization of smuggling operations which risk human life and compromise our national security,” he remarked. “Those found to be involved will face prosecution. I understand the situation that many of these migrants face that would encourage them to take such great risks. We, however, appeal to those considering making such a voyage, not to.”
Bahamian officials have two men in police custody because of their previous offenses. According to Minister of Labour and Immigration Minister Keith Bell, 20 Haitian immigrants were turned over to immigration at a detention center and were interviewed.
“As I am advised by the director, those persons have indicated that they would’ve paid somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000 for this fateful voyage, thus far,” Bell said. “So, we anticipate that that information would be passed over to the police and also the office of the attorney general, who will then take whatever necessary course of action they deem necessary.”
