Search operations are continuing in the area of ​​the island of Terrón de Azúcar in the municipality of Acandí (Dept. Chocó) off the Colombian coast where 16 boat-people of Haitian origin on board a motor boat made sinking Monday.

The death toll is 9 Haitians including a minor, 2 lifeless bodies have been found and 5 passengers have so far been missing.

According to the captain of the Colombian navy, Óscar Ortiz, the Haitians would have taken to sea at Turbo (Dept. of Antioquia, last Sunday) in order to cross the Gulf of Urabá and continue their journey towards the countries of Central America and the United States. Recall that in 2020, the Colombian navy rescued 101 migrants of different nationalities who tried to cross the Gulf of Urabá irregularly.

According to the Colombian navy, the search for the missing has intensified by sea and by air, but hopes of finding survivors are diminishing...

Alexánder Murillo Robledo, Municipal Mayor of Acandí, said two men who were driving the boat were arrested by police.

S/ HaitiLibre