PORT-AU-PRINCE -- Six people died when a boat capsized off the coast of Haiti on Saturday, local authorities said, adding that they had rescued 16 of the vessel's passengers, but dozens more were missing.

"Six bodies have been recovered," said Alta Jean-Baptiste, director of Haiti's civil protection agency.

The 16 people rescued from the accident were taken to the Saint-Michel hospital in Jacmel, a town on the coast near where the boat capsized.

The accident occurred off the southeast coast between the towns of Belle-Anse and Marigot, Jean-Baptiste said.

Around 60 people were on board the boat when it capsized, she added, saying that initial enquiries suggested it was a passenger vessel.

Rescuers on Saturday were searching for the dozens of people still missing from the accident.

Both local authorities and the United Nations mission in the country were assisting and had requested help from local fisherman.