Coast Guard continues search for survivors of capsized migrant vessel off Dominican Republic

Coast Guard rescue crews continue searching Friday for possible survivors of a capsized migrant boat in waters just off Isla Saona, Dominican Republic. So far, 21 people have been rescued, while seven others are reportedly still missing, the USCG said in its news release.

Watchstanders in Coast Guard Sector San Juan overheard a VHF Channel 16 radio transmission at approximately 2p.m. Thursday from the commercial tanker Sea Board Ranger, requesting assistance to find for persons in the water, approximately six nautical miles east of Isla Saona, Dominican Republic.  The Sea Board Ranger crew further relayed that they located a capsized vessel at approximately 4 a.m. Thursday and safely recovered 20 migrants from the water.  Survivors reported that there were 28 people aboard the makeshift vessel.  Shortly thereafter, Coast Guard Sector San Juan received a request for assistance from Dominican Republic authorities.

Coast Guard watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos and launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft to search for possible survivors.

The cutter Tezanos arrived on scene located and rescued a woman from the water Thursday afternoon, while the crew of the Coast Guard helicopter also located the capsized vessel.