Monday evening, at least 100 Haitian migrants fell into the water, when their overloaded sail freighter capsized, to 15 nautical miles south-west coast of Staniel Cay (Bahamas). The incident was reported by the Royal Bahamian Defense Force and relayed to Coast Guard 7th District command center watchstanders Monday evening.

Many migrants were clinging to the hull of the grounded 40-foot sail freighter when rescue crews arrived.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., MH-60 helicopter crew attached to Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos responded and hoisted 13 people from the water after deploying a mass rescue raft. A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 aircrew and an Air Station Clearwater HC-130 dropped food, supplies and 8 additional life rafts to provide assistance.

The Royal Bahamian Defense Force sent a 108-foot patrol boat to assist with the rescue of Haitians.

According to the latest report dated Tuesday, Nov. 26, at least 30 Haitian migrants died at sea and 110 were rescued by rescue teams from the U.S. Coast Guard Forces and the Royal Bahamian Defense Force.

Recall that this is the second time in recent weeks, that the Coast Guard responds to a deadly maritime accident involving Haitian migrants.

HL/ HaitiLbre