Sunday afternoon a wooden boat carrying a large number of Haitians in an irregular migratory situation fleeing Haiti in search of a better life at the risk of their lives, ran aground around 1:00 p.m. in the shallow waters off the coast of Ocean Reef Club in the North of Key Largo, (Florida) about 300 meters from the shore.

The first available information mentions 150 to 250 Haitians on board (men, women and children).

Authorities responded to a suspicious migrant situation in the Florida Keys alerted by a resident "The condition of the vessel was reported to be in poor condition, not to mention overloaded with migrants, no life jackets or anything on board [...] All of their lives were in danger during the trip," said Adam Hoffner of the US Border Patrol.

"We do suspect this was a smuggling operation that did depart from Haiti,” Hoffner said adding, "Our concern right now is the safety of the migrants."

An unknown number of Haitians jumped into the sea and swam to shore moments after their boat ran aground. Some of the Haitians on board the boat needed medical assistance, Chief US Customs and Border Protection Officer Walter N. Slosar said Sunday night. At least three Haitians were injured in the incident.

The exact number of Haitians on board this boat is still not known.

S/ HaitiLibre