#TurksandCaicos, July 25, 2022 – Seven miles off Nassau, in the wee hours of Sunday morning there was a distress call to the Royal Bahamas Police. Help came, but for seventeen irregular Haitian migrants, it was too late and that included a toddler.
In a multi-agency press conference held on Sunday afternoon from the Office of the Prime Minister, Philip Davis, Bahamas Prime Minister led a joint debriefing. Here is what we learned:
A 30ft boat capsized in rough seas around 1 am after leaving from a dock in the area of West Bay Street, Nassau. It was Miami bound and it is believed up to 60 people were aboard.
“A rescue operation ensued immediately,” he added. “Rescue teams recovered, sadly, 17 bodies from the water: 15 females, one male and an infant. Twenty-five persons were rescued and were turned over to health officials for monitoring.”
The Prime Minister, with recent responsibilities from CARICOM to steer negotiations and help on the ground in Haiti, offered condolences to the nation fraught with challenges.
“Law enforcement officials will update you on the criminal matter as well as other rescue and recovery efforts,” Prime Minister Davis said. “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.”
There was also a firm warning, again.
“We take this opportunity to strongly condemn the organization of smuggling operations, which risk human life and compromise our national security,” Prime Minister Davis said. “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 risk,” he added. “We, however, appeal to those considering making such a voyage, not to do so.”
Two Bahamian men are the suspected human smugglers, they were caught and were announced as under arrest by Clayton Fernander, Commissioner of Police. The men, according to the Commissioner, said the duo is known to law enforcement and will face a string of charges which will likely include human smuggling, vessel unworthiness and manslaughter for the deaths.
Earlier today, three people were said to be in hospital – two women were in serious condition, suffering drowning and dehydration symptoms.
The lone male in hospital is expected to be released to Immigration. Around 20 irregular migrants are in Immigration custody.
Up to news publication time, 8-15 people were listed as still missing. Search and Recovery continued with the support of the US Coast Guard.
Also taking part in the briefing were Minister of Labour and Immigration the Hon. Keith Bell; Acting Minister of Health and Wellness and Attorney General, Senator the Hon. Ryan Pinder; Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander; Deputy Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Captain Shondel Pinder; and Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority Aubynette Rolle.