NASSAU, Bahamas — At least 17 people are dead and 25 have been rescued after a twin engine speedboat suspected of being involved in a human smuggling operation capsized off New Providence early on Sunday. The search is continuing for others who may have been on board, The Tribune reported on Sunday, July 24.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Prime Minister Philip E. Davis said the vessel left a docking facility off West Bay Street at around 1am with approximately 60 people on board and was believed to be headed for Miami. It is believed it capsized in rough seas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force and Defence Force responded to reports of a boating incident seven miles off New Providence shortly after.
Sixteen of the fatalities are women and the other is a boy of toddler age. They are all believed to be irregular Haitian migrants. Three of the survivors are in hospital.
Two Bahamian men, who were among those rescued, are in police custody. The search is continuing for others who were on board.
Mr Davis said he wanted to convey the condolences of the government and the people of the Bahamas to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. He also warned against smuggling operations.
“My government, since the time it came into office, has continually warned against these treacherous voyages,” Mr Davis said. “We have increased surveillance on land and sea and intensified patrols. We take this opportunity to strongly condemn the organisation of smuggling operations which risk human life and comprise our national security. Those found to be involved face prosecution.”
He said he understood the situation that many migrants face but appealed to those considering making such a voyage not to do so.
Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said police are working the US Coast Guard, the Defence Force and the Department of Immigration and that survivors are being interviewed. See article in The Tribune at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jul/24/number-deaths-after-vessel-sinks-seven-miles-new-p/
