Only the strong survived the boat tragedy on Sunday when 17 Haitians including a child died when a human smuggling vessel capsized in Bahamian waters on their way to Florida.
The dead included 15 women, one man, and a child. The other 25 passengers were rescued from the 30-foot speedboat which overturned in choppy waters in Nassau.
It was reported that 60 people may have been on board the boat and authorities may be searching for up to eighteen missing people, unaccounted for.
In a picture issued by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, only men were seen sitting atop the capsized vessel, awaiting rescue by divers.
A woman was pulled from the hull of the boat and was reported to have survived due to an air pocket.
Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said divers heard a knocking from the hull of the boat and found one woman.
“I think that’s what kept her alive.”
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he sympathized with the parents of the victims.
“This new drama saddens the whole nation,” he said. “While sympathizing with the parents of the victims, I launch, once again, an appeal for national reconciliation in order to solve the problems that are driving away, far from our soil, our brothers, our sisters, our children.”
The passengers who survived the ordeal said they paid smugglers $3000 to $8000 to catch the boat ride to Florida. Authorities have since arrested two Bahamian traffickers who are known for other criminal acts.
