The tragedy occurred overnight Saturday into Sunday according to Eric Prevost, head of Haiti's maritime and navigations service.
The small sailboat departed the city of Bombardopolis and went down shortly before it was to have arrived at its destination in the city of Gonaives.
Officials said rescuers were able to save several passengers, but do not know how many people in total were onboard the vessel.
Authorities blamed rough weather for another death -- a young man swept away by rising waters in central Haiti -- bringing to 22 the total number of people killed during the weekend's inclement weather.