Davis mentioned investigators had decided {that a} twin-engine velocity boat left the Bahamas about 1 a.m. carrying as many as 60 individuals, apparently sure for Miami.
He mentioned a felony investigation had begun into the suspected human smuggling operation.
“I want to convey the condolences of my authorities and the individuals of the Bahamas to the households of those that misplaced their lives on this tragedy,” Davis mentioned. “My authorities, from the time it got here to workplace, has warned towards these treacherous voyages.”
Haiti is scuffling with a wave of gang-related violence together with sharp rises in killings and kidnappings, prodding a rising variety of individuals to flee the nation of greater than 11 million seeking a greater and safer life.
A number of sinkings involving migrants have occurred within the Caribbean this 12 months, together with one in Could by which 11 individuals had been confirmed lifeless and 38 had been saved off Puerto Rico. One other incident in January noticed one man rescued and one other confirmed lifeless after a ship carrying 40 migrants went down off Florida, with the lacking by no means discovered.
Governments within the area, together with the USA, have reported a surge within the variety of Haitians detained attempting to enter different international locations.
