Several people have been confirmed dead following a shipwreck that occurred just off the coast of Grossay-Poh, South of Port Au Prince.

The accident occurred early last Saturday.

According to the Mayor of the town of Marigot, René Danneau, the ship was laden with cement, food products, fuel and a large number of passengers.

The Mayor told reporters that at least 20 people, including 6 women and 2 babies died.

He said the ship was “overloaded”.

Up to late yesterday the search was continuing for survivors.

A fuel shortage in the department prevented the rescuers from providing aid to the victims in a timely manner.

It also slowed the search process by the authorities.

Faced with this new tragedy Haiti’s Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henri yesterday assured the families of the victims, as well as the survivors, of the full support of the government and the local authorities.