UPDATE: As of 5:34 p.m., four more bodies have been retrieved from the water, following the capsizing of an illegal vessel Sunday, March 31st, 2019, which has brought the death toll to 14. A total of 14 persons survived and were rescued.
Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said, “Today we have utilized all of our marine components, with the support of other rescue services. The Search and rescue operation is ongoing. We cannot tell when it will end as it will be determined by the number of recoveries we make over the next day or so.”
The search is currently suspended until day break tomorrow Monday, April 1st, 2019.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Turks and Caicos Islands — The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch crews were immediately dispatched to the vessel that capsized off West Caicos on Sunday, March 31st, 2019 after 8:00 a.m.
An investigation and search extended into the afternoon with a total of 13 persons rescued so far and 10 bodies recovered from the water.
Acting Commissioner, Trevor Botting said, “At this stage, it is unclear as to the total souls on board the vessel. Officers of the Marine Branch along with Immigration Officials and divers are assisting in a search for additional survivors or victims. This is a tragic loss of life; We offer our condolences and sympathies to the families of those affected by this terrible incident. No journey is worth risking lives on the dangerous seas in these small vessels”.
Acting Commissioner Botting added, “The incident is now under investigation to establish the circumstances of the vessel’s voyage and the loss of the craft”.
