At Least 30 Dead as Haitian Migrants Cling to Bricked-Up Sail Freighter [PHOTOS]

U.S. Coast Guard Photo

The U.S. Coast Guard recovered approximately 110 Haitians today who had ran aground 15 miles off Staniel Cay in the Bahamas last night.  At least 30 migrants are reported to have died.

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District personnel received word from the Royal Bahamian Defense Force on Monday night and subsequently dispatched an MH-60 helicopter from USCG Air Station Clearwater. 13 were rescued and a “mass rescue raft” was deployed in the initial sortie.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 aircrew and an Air Station Clearwater HC-130 subsequently dropped food, supplies and eight additional life rafts to provide assistance according to a USCG statement.

The following is video of the Coast Guard rescue swimmers in action today:

The Royal Bahamian Defense Force is also supporting the rescue effort and has dispatched a 108-foot patrol boat.

Dramatic photos from the scene show desperate passengers clinging to the side of the capsized vessel.

Subscribe for Daily Maritime Insights

Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update

— trusted by our 107,293 members