40 people missing after boat fire in Cap-Haïtien

40 people are missing, victims counted after the fire of a boat of illegal immigrants in Cap-Haïtien.

The Haitian National Police in the North confirmed the death of dozens of citizens and many others injured on board a small boat heading towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. The coastguard of Cap-Haïtien managed to save 37 people, but the drama at sea caused the disappearance of about forty people including the captain of the ship.

The incident occurred on the night of Tuesday 16 to Wednesday 17 July 2024, after a major fire broke out at the front of the boat, near the Fort Saint Michel area in the capital. According to survivors’ testimonies collected by the local press, the fire was started when one of the passengers lit a candle in order to perform a ceremony at sea, unaware of the presence of petrol on board.

The 37 survivors, including 5 men and 2 women who were seriously injured, were rushed to hospital for urgent treatment. Injuries vary, with some suffering severe burns, while others are in shock after the tragic incident.

The communications department of the North Department Police expressed its deep concern over this tragedy and renewed its appeal to the population to stop risking their lives in attempts at illegal migration. An investigation has been opened to identify and arrest all suspects involved in organizing this trip.