20 Haitian Migrants Found Dead Near Bahamas

Coast Guard Says Boat Capsized In Smuggling Venture Gone Awry

POSTED: Monday, April 21, 2008

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- The bodies of 20 Haitians have been recovered from the sea near the Bahamas after their boat capsized in what is believed to be an illegal human smuggling venture that went awry, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Nick Ameen said Monday.

It happened about 15 miles northwest of Nassau, Bahamas, according to the Coast Guard.

Three survivors -- two Haitians and one Honduran -- have been found, according to the Coast Guard. The survivors said their boat was carrying 24 people when it capsized at about 10 p.m. Saturday.

The search-and-rescue mission began Sunday morning after fishermen heard people screaming in the water at about 4:45 a.m. The Bahamian government was assisting in the search, according to the Coast Guard.

"It's certainly an unfortunate situation that has unfolded," Ameen said.

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