At least 40 migrants have perished after a boat they were traveling in caught fire off Haiti’s northern coast, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The tragic incident occurred as the vessel was en route from Cap-Haitien to the Turks and Caicos Islands, over 220 kilometers (137 miles) away.
The IOM reports that 41 survivors were rescued by the Haitian Coast Guard. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but a local official suggested that the blaze may have been sparked by gasoline-filled drums catching fire while passengers were lighting candles for a ritual to seek safe passage.
Casualties and Response
The IOM is providing medical care to the injured, with 11 of them being transported to the nearest hospital. Grégoire Goodstein, IOM’s chief of mission in Haiti, emphasized the dire circumstances, stating, “This devastating event highlights the risks faced by children, women, and men migrating through irregular routes – demonstrating the crucial need for safe and legal pathways for migration.”
Escalating Crisis in Haiti
The tragedy underscores the severe conditions in Haiti, where poverty, lawlessness, and gang violence drive tens of thousands of people to flee each year. The capital, Port-au-Prince, has been overrun by rival armed groups, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry earlier this year.
The IOM points out that the lack of economic opportunities, a deteriorating health system, and widespread school closures are pushing many Haitians to view migration as their only option for survival. UN data reveals that gang violence has resulted in an average of more than one death or injury per hour in the first quarter of this year.
International Efforts and Challenges
Despite the escalating violence, over 86,000 migrants have been forcibly returned to Haiti by neighboring countries this year. The situation has worsened since the assassination of President Jovenel
Moïse three years ago. In response, hundreds of Kenyan police have arrived in Haiti this month to assist local forces in combating the gangs.
The recent boat fire is a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants and the urgent need for improved migration pathways and international support for Haiti.
