rki.news | Sources Anadolu Agency
SAN JUAN, Sept. 29 — At least 40 people were rescued and two were found dead after a makeshift boat carrying an estimated 60 people capsized west of Puerto Rico, according to media reports.
The US Coast Guard said search and rescue operations continued after the vessel overturned several miles from Mona Island. Survivors reportedly spent more than 12 hours in the water before a passing vessel spotted them around noon Monday and alerted authorities.
Four people were initially rescued, while Coast Guard crews later increased the number of survivors found to at least 40.
According to the Coast Guard, the boat capsized late Sunday following a fight in which several people were severely injured with a machete. Those aboard then jumped into the water, many without life jackets.
Survivors told authorities that approximately 60 people had been aboard, leaving several people unaccounted for as rescue operations continued.
The nationalities of those aboard were not immediately known.
The incident occurred in the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, a route used by migrants traveling from Hispaniola. Rough waters have previously contributed to similar boat accidents.
40 Rescued, Two Dead After Boat Capsizes Near Puerto Rico
