The Tribune

AS many as 50 Haitian immigrants are feared drowned after their vessel ran aground during Tropical Storm Isaac.

A search for bodies was under way in the waters around Mangrove Cay, Andros, where 152 Haitians made it to shore and were in custody last night.

Officials say there may have been as many as 200 aboard the vessel when it left Haiti a week ago.

Because of the large number, the survivors were being housed at the Catholic Centre and at a warehouse at the Mangrove Cay dock.

The Department of Immigration said it was satisfied that the authorities in Mangrove Cay were doing everything they could to make the detainees comfortable until they could be repatriated.

They were examined by medical personnel and deemed to be in good health, with the exception of a few who were treated for dehydration.

Department Director Jack Thompson said it was believed that some Haitians might have drowned, but because of the rough seas, the search mission had been challenging.

“We here in New Providence are strategising on how to proceed. Once the weather subsides, we stand ready to take the appropriate action,” he said yesterday.

The United States Coast Guard lent the mission assistance, using its helicopter to transport two Defence Force marines and two immigration officers to Mangrove Cay to help out.

The Haitians were apprehended on Saturday at Lisbon Cay, off Mangrove Cay, seven days after leaving Cap Haitien, Haiti.

It was reported by Island Administrator Maxine Duncombe, in her report to NEMA on conditions in Mangrove Cay during Tropical Storm Isaac.

On Saturday, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued a Hurricane Watch for the island of Andros and advised small craft operators to remain in port.