A ship carrying Haitian migrants apparently capsized off the Bahamas early Sunday, and Bahamian safety forces recovered the our bodies of 17 folks and rescued 25 others, authorities mentioned.
It wasn't clear if there have been any folks lacking after the boat sank about seven miles from New Windfall.
Prime Minister Philip Courageous Davis mentioned in an announcement that the lifeless included 15 ladies, one man and an toddler. He mentioned the folks rescued had been taken for statement by well being staff.
Davis mentioned investigators had decided that a twin-engine velocity boat left the Bahamas about 1 a.m. carrying as many as 60 folks, apparently sure for Miami.
Davis mentioned a legal investigation had begun into the suspected human smuggling operation.
"I want to convey the condolences of my authorities and the folks 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 in opposition to these treacherous voyages."
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry mentioned he sympathized with the mother and father of the victims.
"This new drama saddens the entire nation," he mentioned. "I launch, as soon as once more, an enchantment for nationwide reconciliation as a way to resolve the issues which might be driving away, removed from our soil, our brothers, our sisters, our youngsters."
A yr after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse final July, gang violence has grown worse and Haiti has gone right into a freefall that has seen the financial system tumble. Makes an attempt to kind a coalition authorities have faltered and efforts to carry basic elections have stalled. The turmoil has led a rising variety of folks to flee the nation of greater than 11 million looking for a greater and safer life.
A number of sinkings involving migrants have occurred within the Caribbean this yr, together with one in Might during which 11 folks 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 america, have reported a surge within the variety of Haitians detained attempting to enter different nations.