Twenty-eight passengers, all suspected to be of Haitian descent, made a treacherous journey from Abaco, reportedly destined for South Florida, on June 10. Authorities said 11 of them drowned and 10 were unaccounted for. Officials said the other seven were reportedly in hiding. All of the dead were women and children. According to police, the vessel departed from Farm Hill, near Treasure Cay, Abaco, around 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 10.

The boat began to experience engine trouble around 8 p.m. in the vicinity of Crown Haven, North Abaco, and began taking on water. Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage said one of the survivors claimed that each person paid $5,000 for the voyage. Superintendent Noel Curry said police hoped survivors were able to make it to one of the Abaco cays. Treasure Cay Primary School Principal Myrtis Russell confirmed that all five of the children who died were a part of her student population.

Russell said students were shaken and counselors had to be brought in to console them. The victims were identified as Isomona Pierre, Elvianna Baptiste, Chriscentie Joseph, Jermaine Joseph, Evensky Baptiste, Kerdley Baptiste, Alonzo Joseph, Shana Baptiste, Widna Tereilien and Jessica Baptiste. There was one unidentified female. More than 1,000 people, mainly members of the Haitian community, attended a funeral service at the Enoch Beckford Auditorium on Carmichael Road in New Providence.

The bodies were buried at Southern Cemetery. "This is a very sad moment for the Haitian community and for Bahamians also, because the Haitians and Bahamians have been mixing together for a long time," said President of the Haitian Pastors Association Dr. Exante Cherelus. Police eventually arrested Alphonse Edner, also known as 'Capo', in connection with the incident. He was arraigned on June 21 on 11 counts of abetment to manslaughter. The boat's suspected captain, Chancelaire Baptiste, 52, was still at large at last reports.

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