Santo Domingo: – At least four migrants have died and around 20 are missing after a wooden boat capsized off the coast of the Dominican Republic, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The ill-fated vessel, reportedly carrying around 40 people, was en route to Puerto Rico, a US territory often targeted by migrants fleeing poverty and instability in the region.
The Dominican civil defense authority said that 17 people were rescued — including 10 Dominicans, seven Haitians, and a child.
The Dominican Navy led the rescue operation, with ongoing search efforts for those still unaccounted for.
Perilous Journey in Illegal ‘Yola’ Boats
The boat was identified as a “yola”, a small, often overcrowded vessel made of wood or fiberglass, widely used in illegal maritime crossings despite failing to meet safety regulations.
Migrants reportedly pay up to $7,000 for a one-way trip from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, risking treacherous waters and harsh weather conditions.
The Dominican Republic and Haiti share the island of Hispaniola, but stark differences in political stability and economic opportunities continue to fuel desperate migration efforts.
Background: Migration Pressure Mounting
Illegal sea migration from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico has increased over the past decade, driven by poverty, political instability in Haiti, and the lure of better economic prospects in the US territory.
The latest incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, where migrants routinely face dangerous voyages, exploitation by smugglers, and fatal outcomes.
Summary
- 4 migrants died, 20 still missing after boat capsized en route to Puerto Rico
- 17 rescued, including 10 Dominicans, 7 Haitians, and a child
- Boat identified as unsafe “yola”-type vessel
- Migrants reportedly paid up to $7,000 for the trip
- Crossings to Puerto Rico remain a growing concern in the region