At least 40 migrants lost their lives when a boat caught fire near Haiti’s northern coast, confirmed the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Friday.
The incident occurred after a passenger ignited a candle during a voodoo ritual, causing a deadly explosion, according to police spokesperson Arold Jean.
The IOM reported that the Haitian Coast Guard managed to rescue 41 survivors, 11 of whom were hospitalized due to injuries, including burns. “This devastating event highlights the risks faced by children, women, and men migrating through irregular routes,” emphasized Gregoire Goodstein, IOM’s chief of mission in Haiti.
The boat, carrying over 80 people, departed from Labadee bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands, a journey of 150 miles (240 kilometers). The tragic incident underscores the dangers of irregular migration routes from Haiti, a country grappling with escalating violence and social unrest.
Authorities have launched an investigation to dismantle networks facilitating clandestine voyages, amidst a surge in migration from Haiti due to widespread gang violence and economic hardship. The situation has led to the displacement of nearly 600,000 people internally, with neighboring countries returning over 86,000 migrants to Haiti this year alone.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
