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According to Agence France-Presse, Haitian and Bahamian officials separately confirmed that a smuggling boat carrying illegal Haitian migrants capsized in Bahamas waters in the early morning of the 24th, including 15 women, 1 male and 1 infant, and 25 others were rescued and many people were missing. It is understood that the stowaway boat departed from New Providence Island in the Bahamas on the same day, and the destination was Miami, Florida, USA.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said at a news conference on the same day that the smuggling boat capsized because the wind and waves at sea were too large. Preliminary investigations indicate that the ship is carrying about 60 people.
Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis said: "I hereby convey the condolences of the Government and the people of the mainland to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy, and this Government has been constantly warning from the beginning of its term of office to be vigilant against these dangerous smuggling practices." ”
Bahamas Minister of Labour and Immigration Keith Bell expressed condolences to the victims and called on Haitians not to risk their lives to embark on a dangerous journey of unofficial migration.
Bahamian Police Chief Fernand revealed that two Bahamian men among the survivors are currently being questioned by police. He said police knew the men had "committed a variety of crimes."
Haiti is one of the least developed countries in the Western Hemisphere. In recent years, political unrest, deteriorating security and famine in Haiti have led to a high incidence of smuggling. Local media reported that traveling from Haiti via the Bahamas to Florida is one of the common smuggling routes.
(Editor: Elegant)