Port-de-Paix and the island of La Tortue.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Authorities in Haiti say at least six people drowned and about 10 are missing after a boat overturned off the northern coast.

Local Civil Protection agency representative Jose Rethone says 23 people have been rescued and a search is continuing for more survivors near the city of Port-de-Paix.

Rethone says the boat overturned Thursday in rough seas as it was carrying people on a regular route between the island of La Tortue and Port-de-Paix. He says officials believe about 40 people were on board but there was no manifest.

The vessels used as ferries in that area are frequently overloaded and poorly maintained.