The World : Boat Sinks; 6 Refugees Die
A homemade wooden boat carrying 48 Dominicans trying to slip illegally into Puerto Rico capsized in rough seas just offshore, drowning six people. At least 26 others were missing. According to a survivor, the boat had reached tiny Desecheo Island off western Puerto Rico, and those aboard decided to try landing at Punta Higuera, the main island’s westernmost point. A large wave overturned the boat, spilling everyone into the water. Those who survived did so by clinging to the craft’s gasoline tanks. Each year, thousands of unemployed Dominicans attempt to enter Puerto Rico illegally in search of jobs. About 3,000 Dominicans have been deported in 1986.
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