Search operation continues, 16 boatpeople rescued

Santo Domingo.– Dominican authorities resumed the search for possible survivors after six Haitians died when a boat capsized en route from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico.

According to Navy spokesman Juan Sandoval, 14 Haitians and two Dominicans have been rescued. It is believed that 25 people were aboard when the boat overturned Thursday off the coast between Boca Chica and Juan Dolio, nearly 40 kilometers from Santo Domingo.

The navy ships, the fire-rescue squad at Boca Chica and a private vessel recovered the six bodies as well as the 16 survivors. The bodies were taken to the public hospital in Boca Chica; those rescued are in good health.