At least 16 Haitian migrants die after a shipwreck near the Bahamas

At least 16 Haitian migrants died after the boat they were traveling in capsized off the coast of the island of New Providence, in the Bahamas, local authorities reported this Sunday.

Four women and 17 men who survived were rescued by the Bahamian Coast Guard, Immigration Minister Keith Bell told Reuters news agency.

"We mourn the loss of life for those seeking a better way of life," Bell said.

"Those who have family and friends in Haiti here, please encourage your loved ones not to risk their lives," the minister added.

Survivors of a shipwreck off the coast of New Providence Island, in the Bahamas, on July 24, 2022. ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENSE FORCE / via REUTERS

The Bahamas are a frequent route for human smugglers seeking to reach the United States from Haiti, where thousands have fled poverty and gang violence.

Last week, a non-governmental organization reported almost 100 murders in a period of just seven days due to the gang war that is raging in the suburbs of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Amid the political crisis sparked by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse last year and an earthquake that left hundreds dead just a month later, the exodus of Haitian migrants has accelerated.

[More Than 150 Haitian Migrants Rescued From Shipwreck Off Florida Coast]

While some seek to reach the United States through the dangerous route through the Caribbean Sea in vessels that are not equipped for the arduous journey, others have opted for a detour of thousands of miles via charter flights to South America and then to Mexico. to cross the border on foot.

United States immigration authorities warn against irregular crossings, especially by sea, where hundreds of people die each year.

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Since taking office in January 2021, the Biden administration has sent more than 25,000 Haitians back to their country, despite the fact that human rights groups say that the expulsions will only add to Haiti's problems and encourage the migration of Haitians. Haitians to Latin America and the United States.