Hurricane Dorian's official death toll in Bahamas stands at 43

Evacuation effort continues amid devastation in Grand Bahama, Abaco

NASSAU, Bahamas – After evacuating from Marsh Harbour, Lynn and Bill Lyman said thousands are still waiting to evacuate from Abaco. Food and water are running out. 

They are among the few hundred who are finding hope in Nassau after Hurricane Dorian's devastation in northwest Bahamas. Despite being able to get away from the intense heat, they are still worried about those who were left behind.

"It's way worse than anyone is reporting it," Lynn Lyman said about the chaos and damage that storm surge and 185 mph winds left behind. 

For the people waiting at the port in Grand Abaco, the effort to evacuate survivors wasn't going fast enough. Authorities said the severe flooding and debris make approaching the island risky. There is a need for food, water, tents and canopies. 

The U.S. Coast Guard reported Friday crews have rescued 239 people with seven MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and five MH-65 Dolphin helicopters. The Royal Bahamas Defense Force used a 139-foot ferry to evacuate 160 people and a barge to evacuate 300 people to Nassau.

With their homes destroyed and Grand Bahama International Airport's destruction, the port in Freeport was full of people eager to evacuate in any way possible. There was a similar scene at Treasure Cay International Airport in Grand Abaco.  

Some of those waiting to evacuate were in mourning. Franklin Ferguson was among the faces of despair, distress and desperation. He said his 33-year-old son drowned during the storm, his home was destroyed and his car was under water. 

At least 43 people are dead and authorities are prepared to find more bodies under the rubble. 

ABC News contributed to this report. 


About the Authors:

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.

Roy Ramos joined the Local 10 News team in 2018. Roy is a South Florida native who grew up in Florida City. He attended Christopher Columbus High School, Homestead Senior High School and graduated from St. Thomas University.