A dangerous sea journey turned deadly this week as a migrant boat capsized off the coast of the Dominican Republic, leaving four people dead and about 20 still unaccounted for, according to local authorities.
The boat, which was reportedly carrying close to 40 individuals, was en route to Puerto Rico—a U.S. territory that continues to attract desperate migrants from the Caribbean region. Rescue teams managed to save 17 passengers, including a child, the country’s civil defence agency confirmed on Friday.
The Dominican Navy stated that among the survivors were 10 Dominican nationals and 7 Haitians. The vessel, like many others used in illegal migration attempts, was a small “yola”—a makeshift boat often built from wood or fiberglass and not designed for long-distance or open-sea travel.
Officials say these journeys are risky and expensive, with migrants paying up to $7,000 for a one-way passage to Puerto Rico. Many of them, driven by poverty, instability, or lack of opportunities, see the voyage as a last resort despite the dangers involved.
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with neighboring Haiti, which has faced severe political and economic crises in recent years. These conditions have pushed more people to attempt the perilous crossing in search of a better life.
Illegal migration from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico has increased steadily over the last decade, with authorities raising repeated alarms about the human cost of these unauthorized voyages.
As search and rescue operations continue, families of the missing are left clinging to hope. Officials are urging the public to avoid unsafe migration routes and seek legal pathways wherever possible.
