Trial Date Set for Haitian Boating Tragedy

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Four people facing manslaughter charges in relation to the drowning deaths of 17 Haitian migrants will be tried next year.

Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns has set a June 5, 2024 trial date for Donald Watson, Eulan McKinney, McKenzie Jerome and Wilbens Joseph.

Prosecutors allege that they are criminally responsible for the death of 17 people, including a pregnant woman, who died when the 32-foot speedboat that they were on capsized off Nassau Harbour on July 24, 2022.

Watson, the alleged captain, and McKinney were rescued along with the other survivors of the tragedy.

Investigators later arrested Jerome, the alleged owner of the boat, and Joseph, one of the alleged organizers of the trip.