Boat Capsizes Near Puerto Rico: 40 Rescued, 2 Dead, Many Missing
The U.S. Coast Guard said search-and-rescue operations are continuing. The vessel capsized several miles from Mona Island, media reported.
Survivors spent more than 12 hours in the water before a passing vessel spotted them near the uninhabited island around noon Monday and alerted authorities. Four people were recovered at that point, and the Coast Guard later raised the number of survivors located to at least 40.
The Coast Guard said the boat went over late Sunday after a fight in which people were severely injured with a machete. Those aboard then jumped into the water without life jackets.
Survivors told authorities that roughly 60 people were on board, meaning several remain unaccounted for as the search continues.
A Coast Guard spokesperson said the nationalities of those aboard were not immediately known.
The capsizing occurred in the Mona Passage, the waterway between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic that is frequently used by migrants traveling from Hispaniola. Migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Haiti and the Dominican Republic have attempted the crossing in makeshift vessels, some of which have capsized in rough seas, media reported.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos,
licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues
related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
