At least two dead, about 10 wounded and several missing were reported following a violent armed attack on boats carrying sea transport between Port-au-Prince and several communes in the Grand-Anse River on Tuesday, 8 July. The attack, which occurred off the coast of Léogâne, was reportedly perpetrated by heavily armed individuals travelling on boats.
On the evening of Tuesday, 8 July, armed bandits targeted several small boats carrying passengers and cargo towards the Grand-Anse off the Cayemites Islands. Among the vessels attacked are the Blessing Boat, several of whose passengers were seriously shot.
According to the first available reports, two people were killed instantly. A dozen others were injured, some seriously, while several passengers were still missing. The wounded were transported urgently to hospital centres in the department of Grand Anse for treatment.
Cliverin Jean Michel, Radio Télé Métropole correspondent in the region, said this attack is not an isolated case. Several boats regularly travelling along this sea route have already been targeted by armed bandits, especially since the national road leading to the far south became impassable because of the grip of armed gangs in the area.
In the absence of a secure land-based alternative, many traders and passengers have no choice but to use the sea to move, thus exposing themselves to increasing risks.
In the face of this resurgence of violence at sea, there are voices calling on the competent authorities to strengthen maritime security in order to protect the population already suffering from land insecurity.
WA
