SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) – A tragic incident occurred off the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic when a boat carrying migrants capsized, leading to the deaths of at least four individuals, as confirmed by local authorities on Saturday. Emergency personnel and military forces are currently engaged in search and rescue operations to locate any surviving passengers.
So far, 17 people have been rescued from the water, including a young girl. According to Juan Salas, the director of the Civil Defense in the Dominican Republic, these survivors received medical attention and are reportedly in good health. A survivor recounted that approximately 40 individuals were aboard the boat before it capsized, highlighting the scale of this unfortunate event.
Salas indicated that the incident occurred relatively close to the coast, suggesting that some passengers may have managed to swim to safety. He estimated that the boat sank to a depth ranging from 500 meters (1,640 feet) to 600 meters (1,970 feet). However, he noted that the search efforts are facing difficulties due to strong waves and challenging seabed conditions.
The boat was reportedly carrying migrants from both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, underscoring the complex nature of migration in the region. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in illegal journeys made by sea to Puerto Rico from Dominican Republic waters. The International Organization for Migration reported at least 321 deaths and disappearances of migrants in the Caribbean during 2022, marking the highest toll since 2014.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by migrants in pursuit of better opportunities, often risking their lives in dangerous sea voyages. The rising trend of such perilous journeys has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations and authorities tasked with ensuring the safety of individuals attempting to migrate.
As search and rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating any additional survivors and providing support to those affected by this tragic event. The situation highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of migration, particularly in regions experiencing conflict, poverty, and instability.
