At least 11 Haitians were killed yesterday after the boat they were on capsized in the northern Bahamas, police said.

Police said 28 people were on the vessel when it sank.

According to authorities, the group was headed to the United States.

Up to press time Monday night, 11 people were confirmed dead and police were fearful that the death toll could rise.

According to police, the group of Haitian nationals boarded a 25-foot vessel around 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

The group departed Farm Hill, Abaco en route for Florida.

Three hours later, police said the boat began to experience engine problems.

As a result, the vessel started to take on water and sank near Crown Haven, Abaco around 8:00 p.m.

Seven people survived the accident.

Police Superintendent in Abaco Noel Curry told the Bahama Journal late Monday night that the search for survivors would run through the night into Tuesday.

Sunday’s incident is similar to another tragedy at sea which claimed the lives of nearly two dozen Haitian nationals.

In April 2008, 20 Haitians were killed when their boat capsized.

The boat was carrying 24 people at the time.

Haiti’s dire economic position has for many years forced thousands of Haitians to migrate in search of better economic conditions.

While many immigrants are successful in their trek over the open waters, many times their attempts are not successful.

Supt. Curry could not confirm when police would call off the search for survivors.