Authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands have scaled back the search for more casualties or survivors from the deadly Christmas Day capsizing of an overloaded migrant boat.
A government spokesman says the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is still searching just off Providenciales. Neil Smith says fewer units are taking part and US Coast Guard aircraft are no longer actively involved in the effort.
The water is shallow and clear and authorities do not expect to find more bodies. Investigators were interviewing survivors today at an immigration detention center in Providenciales to find out more about the smuggling voyage and the accident.
At least 17 migrants from Haiti died when the vessel overturned as it was being towed to shore by police.
