Print Friendy PageUNHCR | Washington Regional Office Maritime Incidents in the CaribbeanCaribbean UnitThe Caribbean region is characterized by the phenomenon of maritime travel, with desperate migrants and asylum seekers facing great risks by taking to the sea in precarious and often un-seaworthy vessels, either in hopes of finding a better life or in some cases fleeing violence and persecution. Maritime interception and rescue-at-sea is a common feature, especially in the northern region, and in many cases innocent lives of men, women and children are lost at sea. UNHCR´s Washington office recorded approximately 54 maritime incidents in 2010, resulting in at least 18 recorded deaths, 80 persons missing at sea, and at least 3,300 survivors. While these survivors were predominantly of Haitian and Cuban origin, it is little known that migrants and asylum seekers from many other countries also can be found along these dangerous maritime routes. In 2010, maritime incidents also included Brazilians, Dominicans, Guyanese, Jamaicans and Sri Lankans. Most of these incidents take place in the northern Caribbean. |