The flow of immigrants grows and alarms the US authorities. 3:23
(CNN) --
The bodies of 17 Haitian migrants were found in the water off the coast of the Bahamas after their boat capsized in rough seas, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said Sunday.
He said an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding a "suspected human smuggling operation" that led to the deaths of 15 women, a man and a baby.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force responded to reports of a boating incident 11 kilometers from New Providence shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, the prime minister said.
Twenty-five people were rescued and handed over to health authorities for control, but more people are presumed missing as search and recovery operations continue, Davis said.
4 Men Charged in Texas Smuggling Operation That Left 53 Migrants Dead
"Preliminary investigations suggest that a twin-engine speedboat left a West Bay Street dock around 1 a.m. with approximately 60 people on board. Its final destination is believed to be Miami, Florida," the prime minister said. .
advertising
"Law enforcement officials will brief you on the criminal matter as well as 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 life in this tragedy," the prime minister said.
Davis said his administration has always warned against dangerous travel and has increased vigilance on land and sea and intensified patrols.
"We take this opportunity to strongly condemn the organization of smuggling operations that put human lives at risk and compromise our national security. Those who are implicated will face legal proceedings," he said, "I understand the situation that many of these migrants that encourages them to take such great risk. However, we call on those who are considering making that journey, not to do so."
migrants