May 19, 2009 11:28 pm US/Eastern
Families Needed To Come Forward In Haitian Tragedy
Governor Charlie Crist Offers Families Help to Bury Loved Ones
Radio Hosts Call On Family To Come Forward In Haitian Tragedy
Click Here To Read Criminal Complaint Against Jimmy Metellus
LITTLE HAITI (CBS4) ―
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Lucie Tondreau is urging the community over the radio to come forward to help identify their loved ones in the tragic smuggling attempt.
CBS
It's been nearly one week since a boat capsized off the shore of Boynton Beach carrying dozens of migrants hoping for a chance at freedom.
11 people were rescued from the rolling waters while the bodies of 10 migrants, most from Haiti, were recovered from the deadly voyage. Officials say they are certain more bodies are still at sea.
According to medical examiner's office in Palm Beach County 6 of the 10 bodies recovered from last Wednesday's tragedy at sea have been identified. A lot of work still needs to be done to identify the remaining 4. That's where the airwaves of radio stations like WLQY come in. Located in North Miami, the signal reaches South Florida but is also international, reaching the Bahamas and Haiti.
Lucie Tondreau, a community activist, is sitting in with radio talk host YeYe. They are taking to the airwaves, making a plea to family members who may have lost a loved one on the boat to come forward with names and pictures.
"It is important for them to come forward with photos because that is the only way to identify the bodies (so officials can) make comparisons from the pictures," Tondreau explained.
Tondreau read the names of those who have been identified and of those who are still unaccounted for, spreading hope that there may still be survivors.
"We have to pray these people are still alive."
33-year-old Jimmy Metellus has been arrested and charged with the deaths of those who drowned during the failed smuggling operation. He's scheduled to appear in a Palm Beach County courtroom Wednesday.
Radio stations have helped bring order to what was a chaotic mess for family members searching for answers.
Tondreau says she won't stop until every body is identified and returned to their families.
"It is a tragedy what took place last Wednesday. The least we can do is bury them with dignity," said Tondreau.
The Palm Beach County coroner's office is doing all it can to notify the next of kin of those who have been identified. Many families are having difficulties making funeral arrangements because of financial hardships.
According to Haitian Consul General Ralph Latorture, Governor Charlie Crist's office has heard the outcry from family members and is offering to assist with the burials.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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