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Boat Carrying Undocumented Immigrants from Dominican Republic Sinks, 1 Dead and 8 Are Missing
One person died and six others are missing in the sinking of a boat that was carrying illegal immigrants last week from the eastern Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, the Listin Diario newspaper said.
Nine people – a Dominican and eight Haitians – were rescued after the boat capsized.
Four of the migrants were hospitalized for treatment of severe dehydration, Listin Diario said.
The migrants sailed on Thursday from Veron, a town outside the eastern city of Higuey, for Puerto Rico, but the sea was rough due to the strong winds from Tropical Storm Ernesto, the newspaper reported, citing officials.
The boat had mechanical problems and was also low on fuel when it set sail.
Fishermen found the body of a migrant in the Boca de Rio section of Yaque del Sur and notified authorities.
Thousands of Dominicans try to reach the U.S. commonwealth of Puerto Rico every year, preferring to risk their lives rather than continue living in poverty in their homeland.
Many migrants drown each year on the treacherous journey across the 100-kilometer (62-mile) Mona Passage on the rickety wooden boats known as “yolas.”
Published in Notitas de Noticias
2012-08-13 07:41:13
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