Haiti: 17 Migrants Dead After Boat Turns Over in the Bahamas During Human Smuggling Attempt

A speedboat believed to be carrying migrants from Haiti capsized off the coast of the Bahamas in a human trafficking attempt. Bahamian authorities estimated that at least 17 people died in the incident, with another 25 more rescued.

Search and rescue operations continue as of Sunday afternoon, as others are still unaccounted for. According to ABC News, Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Bahamas noted that the boat was carrying approximately 60 people. He added that the vessel was heading to Miami to smuggle in Haitian migrants.

Vessel Capsized Along Bahamas Route Popular With Haitian Migrants Heading to the United States

ABC News reported that the boat capsized seven miles off the coast of New Providence, which is the Bahamas' most populous island. The Royal Bahamas Defense Force responded to distress calls at around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The area is part of a route often used by smugglers and Haitian migrants who try and traverse the often-dangerous waters to get to the United States. Their area of destination is often Miami, Florida.

According to Reuters, authorities believed that the twin-engine speedboat capsized on rough seas. Smugglers often cram dozens of Haitian migrants in these rickety vessels, braving rough waters in order to reach the United States illegally.

The Bahamas are often a midpoint for Haitians seeking to get into the United States. Davis noted that the country is often not the final destination for these migrants. He added that there are increasing numbers of vessels carrying these migrants between Haiti and the Bahamas before finally heading out to the United States.

Migrants are increasingly fleeing Haiti due to increased gang violence in the country and rising poverty rates.

Two of the Alleged Smugglers Captured by Police in the Bahamas

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander told the media they had arrested two men allegedly involved in the human smuggling operation. As NPR reported, everyone aboard the vessel, including those who were rescued, died, or were missing, were all believed to be Haitian migrants.

Following the incident, Bahamas Minister of Labor and Immigration Keith Bell urged citizens to help deter immigrants from attempting the dangerous journey.

He told the media that he mourns the lives lost while attempting to find a better life.

He then encouraged Bahamian citizens with relatives, families, and friends in Haiti to encourage their loved ones not to make the perilous journey to the U.S.

Last month, several Haitian migrants were rescued on a deserted island off Puerto Rico. Their boat, which carried around 60 to 75 individuals, also capsized.

Those who survived were forced to swim to the nearby deserted island. 11 women died in that incident.

In a report last May, the U.S. Coast Guard revealed that they had intercepted almost 3,900 Haitian nationals in the fiscal year 2022, which is already more than double the number in 2021, wherein they interdicted about 1,527 Haitians.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: At Least 17 Migrants Dead After Boat Capsized in Bahamas - From ABC News