Sixteen people were killed after a ship carrying Haitian migrants capsized off the coast of the Bahamas amid a continuous wave of sea migration toward the US.
Immigration Minister Keith Bell told Reuters that four women and 17 men were rescued from the incident.
Bahamian police noted that the boat capsized 7 miles (11 km) off the island of New Providence.
'We mourn lives lost of those seeking a better way of life. Those here with families and friends in Haiti, encourage your loved ones not to risk their lives," Bell said.
The Bahamas is a frequent transit route for Haitian migrants seeking to reach the United States.
Dangerous cruises on rickety ships have become increasingly common over the past year as Haitians flee poverty and rising gang violence.
It comes just days after the US Coast Guard avoided what could be a catastrophe when it intercepted a rickety sailboat off the coast of Florida.
US agencies deployed four boats to cordon off rickety sailboats before approaching the boat to throw life jackets and water for migrants.
The migrants were transferred from the 'overloaded and unsafe sailing vessel' to the Coast Guard cutter crews, officials said.
The Miami Fire Department transferred four people to Homestead Hospital for medical treatment.
The US Coast Guard said the migrants would then be returned to their countries of origin.
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