20 Haitian bodies found off Bahamas coast

by cynthia yoo | April 21, 2008 at 08:44 am

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The discovery of 20 dead Haitian migrants in the Bahamas seas, are seen as further evidence of troubled times in Haiti. Haiti has experienced food riots and protests over rising fuel prices in recent weeks.

Every years, thousands of Haitians try to leave their impoverished nation, where recent riots over rising food and fuel prices have led to several deaths.

The US Coast Guard said a fishing crew alerted the Bahamian authorities after hearing cries in the sea early on Sunday.

The US and Bahamas launched a major search effort, deploying an airplane, helicopter and three boats to the area.

The three survivors said their boat was carrying 24 people when it capsized.

Faced with grinding poverty at home, some Haitians opt to board rickety boats to try to make the dangerous sea crossings to the US or to other Caribbean islands.

Reports of drownings are common. Last year, 61 people died when their boat capsized.

Most Haitians earn no more than $2 a day, and they have struggled to feed themselves as the prices of rice, beans and fruit have risen by 50% in recent months.