By Neelam Rahim

Seventeen people died after a boat carrying dozens of Haitian migrants capsized off the Bahamas coast, authorities said on Sunday, as more Haitians try to reach the US to escape gang violence and poverty.

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of 17 people, including an infant, and 25 people were rescued. Between eight to 12 people are believed to be missing. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis told a press conference. Davis said authorities believe they were on a speedboat heading for Miami.

“It is believed that the vessel capsized in rough seas,” he said.

An investigation into the incident remains underway, but authorities said during a news conference that 50 and 60 people were within the boat when it capsized approximately 7 miles off the Coast of New Providence Island.

Davis said a criminal investigation had begun into the suspected human smuggling operation.

Bahamian authorities said two people were taken into custody, both from the Bahamas, over the suspected human smuggling operation. All those on board recovered alive or dead or still missing were believed to be migrants from Haiti.

The Bahamas is a frequent transit route for Haitians seeking to reach the US. Dangerous sea voyages in rickety vessels became increasingly common over the last year as Haitians fled poverty and rising gang violence.

Immigration Minister Keith Bell said survivors indicated that they paid between $3,000 and $8,000 for the voyage.

“We mourn lives lost of these seeking a more robust way of life,” Bell told Reuters. “Those here with families and friends in Haiti, encourage your loved ones to not risk their lives.”