U.N. and Haitian authorities say an overloaded ferry has sunk off the Caribbean country's southern coast, killing at least 11 people.

U.N. peacekeeping mission spokesman David Wimhurst says most of the 100 people aboard the crowded ferry were able to swim to safety. The boat sank after taking on water about 150 yards (150 meters) from shore late Saturday.

Haitian authorities said Sunday that crews recovered 11 bodies from the water and at least five of them were children.

The vessel was carrying passengers, food and charcoal on a two-day voyage to the capital of Port-au-Prince.