Search called off for missing Cameroonians

Both the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and St Kitts and Nevis Defense Force Coast Guard have suspended their search for the 14 missing migrants, following a tragedy last week Tuesday.

About 30 Cameroonians left Antigua and Barbuda to embark on an illegal journey to St Thomas on a French fishing vessel called La Belle Michelle II.

The boat capsized before it got to its destination, claiming the lives of several on board.

All this comes as the St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew said his government will negotiate with St Johns to decide on the next steps for the 16 persons who survived Tuesday’s tragedy at sea

A fishing boat smuggling 30 Cameroonians to Thomas capsized off St Kitts and Nevis, possibly claiming the lives of those on board. Three dead bodies were pulled out of the rough seas and 14 persons are still missing. It is believed that they perished

The smuggled migrants were found 12 nautical miles south of St Kitts (40 nautical miles from Antigua) by a passing luxury vessel Genevieve.

Drew said on Wednesday that the bodies of the deceased migrants are being held at Saddler Funeral Home while those found alive are placed in a holding area where they are being fed and taken care of.

He told journalists that he has yet to personally communicate with Prime Minister Gaston Browne, but said that all relevant agencies between the two islands have been in constant communication.

Drew said medical officials and psychologists have been asked to help the survivors.

All this comes as criminal investigations continue. Law enforcement officials say criminal charges could be brought against several persons.

The migrants were aboard a Guadeloupe-registered vessel, La Belle Michelle, which arrived in Antigua from the French overseas territory on March 25. The boat was reported stolen on the day it sank off St Kitts.

The government also promised to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of this unlawful and dreadful affair, including the involvement of any citizens and residents.

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are currently on the island assisting the government with the African migrants.

The government also promised to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of this unlawful and dreadful affair, including the involvement of any citizens and residents.

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are currently on the island assisting the government with the African migrants.