Eleven dead after migrant vessel capsizes near Puerto Rico, Coast Guard says
2022.05.13 03:31
(Reuters) – At least 11 people drowned when a migrant vessel capsized near Puerto Rico, the U.S. Coast Guard said on Thursday, amid a steady increase in migrants attempting reach U.S. shores in dangerous marine voyages.
“Coast Guard watchstanders received a communication at approximately 11:47 a.m. Thursday reporting that the aircrew of a Custom and Border Protection aircraft had sighted a capsized vessel with people in the water who did not appear to be wearing life jackets,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
The vessel, which was carrying “an undetermined number of people,” was spotted 10 nautical miles north of Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico, the statement said.
As of 6 p.m., 11 deceased and 31 survivors had been found, the Coast Guard said on Twitter (NYSE:TWTR).
Migrants, particularly from Haiti, have in recent months been attempting to escape gang violence and poverty through dangerous voyages on unseaworthy vessels.
