An overloaded boat carrying around 80 Haitians fleeing poverty and violence towards Providenciales (an island in the Caicos archipelago) sank near Fort Saint Michel (East of Cap-Haïtien) following a fire on board.

The Haitian Coast Guard rescued 37 people, 7 of whom (5 men and 2 women) were seriously injured and rushed to hospital. At least 40 other passengers including the captain are missing

According to the survivors, the fire was started accidentally by a passenger who had lit a candle for a voodoo ceremony, even though there were large reserves of fuel on board for the trip...

The police have opened an investigation and are looking for the organizer(s) of this tragic trip…

TB/ iciHaiti