Haitian feared drowned

Bahamian authorities are searching for a number of Haitians who they fear may have drowned after they jumped into the sea yesterday in a bid to enter the country illegally.



The Royal Bahamas Defence Force says the Haitians had attempted to go ashore on a boat early yesterday in the waters off Marshall Road.



It said 231 males and 64 females were caught, but they believe others may have drowned since several were reported to have jumped ship to evade capture.



Three months ago, 20 Haitians reportedly drowned while attempting to enter the island illegally.



Chairman of the Bahamas Crime Council, Bishop Simeon Hall, is calling for pastors from CARICOM countries to use their influence to prevent fellow nationals from using illegal and dangerous means to leave their country.



Figures released by the Defence Force show that nearly 16,000 illegal Haitian immigrants have been captured in Bahamian waters over the past eight years.