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Sabana del Mar, Dominican Republic (NTN24) - The death toll from the weekend capsizing of a boat ferrying migrants from the Dominican Republic to the neighbouring island of Puerto Rico climbed to at least 34 and about 26 people are still missing, authorities said on Tuesday (February 7).
The death toll rose after three victims of the capsizing were plucked on Monday night from the Bay of Samana and then another four bodies were found late on Tuesday, where the rustic and overloaded vessel foundered on Saturday.
"We have found four male bodies and today the marines ended the search for the day at 19:40. We will begin the search again early tomorrow morning with all units," said Navy Captain hector Mendez.
Impoverished Dominicans in search of better opportunities often set out in old overloaded smuggling boats, known as yolas, trying to cross the Mona Passage and reach the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. Many die in the attempt.
The treacherous 80-mile (130-km) wide strait is a highly used seaway that links the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and is notorious for dangerous tides, shallow sand banks and sharks.
Tags: Dominican Shipwreck death toll climbs to 25 02 08 12