BAHAMAS: 15 Haitian migrants along with 7 dead bodies found in waters near Man-O-War Cay, Abaco

#Abaco, February 3, 2019 – Bahamas – Early Saturday morning, the Department of Immigration at Marsh Harbour, Abaco received information in reference to a reported sunken Haitian vessel near Fowl Cay, off Man-O-War Cay, Abaco.

A joint search and rescue operation was mounted immediately with the assistance of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the U.S Coast Guard and the Department of Immigration’s Enforcement Unit led by Senior Immigration Officer Vasco Johnson along with private citizens of the community.  A total of (15) Haitian nationals inclusive of (14) Males and (1) Female were rescued from the sunken vessel.  Sadly, (7) persons also believed to be Haitian nationals were found dead at the scene.

(1) Haitian Male rescued was transported to New Providence onboard an emergency flight due to life threatening injuries. The remaining (14) were taken to the local clinic in Marsh Harbour where they were provided with medical attention.

Information coming into the Department suggest that the said vessel is believed to have hit a reef around 9:30PM Friday evening and subsequently sunk.  Additional information suggest that outside of the persons found and rescued, there may be others trapped onboard the sunken vessel.  Search effort continues.

Release: Bahamas Immigration