Swells nearly drown 40 boatpeople headed to Puerto Rico

MICHES, Dominican Republic. – 40 boatpeople headed to Puerto Rico nearly drowned, when their yola sank of the coast of Miches (northeast), reported the Dominican Navy.

The undocumented people, 27 men and 13 women were picked up near the beach at La Vacama, several nautical miles east of Miches, after their 23 foot boat capsized from the strong swells in the zone.

The group managed to swim to the coast, where a civilian helicopter alerted the Navy. The group is being held for investigation in the Navy station at Miches.