U.S. Charge d’Affaires Offers Condolences to the Families of Haitians Lost in Turks and Caicos Shipwreck, Urges Haitians to Avoid Risks at Sea.

July 30, 2009

No. 2009/ 51

On behalf of the Embassy of the United States in Haiti, Chargé d’Affaires Thomas C. Tighe expresses his condolences to the families and friends of the victims on the July 26 shipwreck off the coast of Turks and Caicos.  “We offer our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones, and we sympathize with the survivors of this traumatic experience,” said Mr. Tighe. 

“These voyages are very, very risky,” Mr. Tighe continued.  “These waters are dangerous and the small boats are often overcrowded and cannot be operated safely.  To anyone who is thinking about migrating illegally, I would say:  Please do not risk your life.” 

The U.S. Coast Guard announced on Monday, July 27 2009 that a boat transporting Haitians wrecked off the coast of Turks and Caicos.  It is estimated that 160 to 200 passengers on board.  The U.S. Coast Guard and Turks and Caicos authorities rescued 118 survivors and carried out an intensive search for survivors by sea and air, but the death toll was heavy:  The bodies of 13 victims were recovered and approximately 70 people are still missing.

The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Haitian Coast Guard, continues to make every effort to preserve human life, enforce the law, and return illegal migrants safely to their country of origin.  The American people also continue to work in partnership with Haiti to improve conditions in Haiti.  The United State Government is investing over $400 million dollars in 2008 funds to support development and hurricane recovery in Haiti, and is providing $302 million dollars in assistance in 2009.   (End of text)