In the World

HAITI

17 migrants die

as boat capsizes

At least 17 migrants from Haiti died Wednesday when their overloaded sailboat capsized as it was being towed to shore in the Turks and Caicos Islands, officials in the British territory said.

A marine unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force intercepted the packed sloop about two hours earlier and was escorting it to shore when it abruptly overturned, sparking a frantic search and rescue in predawn darkness.

The cause of the capsizing has not been confirmed. Karlo Pelissier, the Haitian consul to the Turks and Caicos, said he was told by survivors that several migrants tried to jump off the 28-foot boat and flee to land and that the surge caused the sloop to overturn.

Authorities rescued 32 and recovered the bodies of 17. Divers and U.S. Coast Guard helicopters were aiding in a search for more survivors or victims in clear water about 150 yards from shore. - AP

CARIBBEAN

Storms lash islands Flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains have killed at least eight people on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent, officials said. Police on the nearby island of St. Lucia said a man died there when a wall fell on him. And on the island of Dominica, dozens of homes and at least two hotels were evacuated because of the danger of landslides. The cluster of thunderstorms came as the small islands were crowded with holiday tourists. - AP

TURKEY

Cabinet reshuffle

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reshuffled his cabinet after three key ministers resigned over a corruption scandal that had ensnared their sons and other allies. Erdogan on Wednesday replaced the economy, interior, and environment ministers who stepped down Wednesday. All three men's sons were detained as part of a bribery and corruption probe. - AP