The government has reported that a boat tragedy off the coast of The Bahamas claimed the lives of at least 17 persons from Haiti.
According to the Bahamian PM Philip Davis, people on board are believed to be traveling from Haiti to Miami, Florida in the United States.
The boat capsized more than 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) off the island of New Providence, according to Bahamas police.
Authorities said that 25 more people were saved, including one woman who was discovered alive inside the capsized boat.
Among the fatalities was a youngster. Search operations are now being conducted for at least one missing person.
According to officials, two suspects, both from The Bahamas, were detained in connection with the alleged human smuggling operation.
The surge in gang violence in Haiti and the country’s endemic poverty have resulted in a considerable increase in the number of people trying the perilous voyage to the United States.
Initial investigations indicate that the speed boat, which had about 60 passengers on board, departed New Providence, the largest island in The Bahamas’ archipelago, at around 1:00 (0500 GMT) on Sunday.
According to Clayton Fernander, the Bahamas’ police commissioner, one woman was discovered to be alive after authorities heard her “knocking on the hull of the yacht.”
Finally, the divers descended, and it was there that they discovered the 17 dead, the man claimed.
I think that’s what kept one female alive since she was up in the air pocket of the boat’s hull. There was one other female who was still alive.
Keith Bell, the minister of immigration, reported that survivors claimed to have paid between $3,000 and $8,000 (£2,500 and £6,670) for the trip.
According to Mr. Bell, “We lament the lives lost of individuals seeking a better way of life.” “Those of you here with family and friends in Haiti, please tell them not to endanger their lives.”
Near Puerto Rico, a US territory, at least 11 people, mostly from Haiti, died in May.
 for the trip.){kind=link}