The bodies of 15 women, a man and a baby were found in the water after the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force responded to reports of a boat incident 7 miles from New York just after 1am on Sunday. Providence, said the Prime Minister of the Bahamas. Philip Davis said in a statement.
Twenty-five people were rescued and handed over to health officials for surveillance, but more are missing as search and recovery operations continue, Davis said.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that a twin-engine speedboat left a dock at West Bay Street around 1 a.m. with about 60 people on board. Their final destination is believed to have been Miami, Florida,” the prime minister said.
“Law enforcement officials will keep you updated on the criminal case and other rescue and recovery efforts. 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,” the statement said. Prime Minister.
Davis said his administration has always warned of dangerous travel and that they have increased surveillance on land and sea and intensified patrols.
“We take this opportunity to strongly condemn the organization of smuggling operations that risk human lives and endanger our national security. Those involved in this will be prosecuted,” he said. “I understand the situation many of these migrants face, which would encourage them to take such a big risk. However, we appeal to those considering making such a journey, not to do so.”
Bahamas Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander told reporters on Sunday that an estimated 50 to 60 people were aboard the 20-ft speedboat and the search for survivors or bodies was underway.
He said two Bahamian men were among the survivors and were being questioned in police custody. The men were known to police “of various offences,” he said.
Immigration Secretary Keith Bell said 20 people have been taken to a detention center and are being interviewed.
“Those individuals have indicated that they would have paid anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 for this ill-fated trip,” Bell said.