The Dominican Navy said the US Coast Guard has detected 200 less Dominicans making the crossing to Puerto Rico this year than in 1998. Only 317 Dominicans have been rescued from Mona Channel waters, compared to 514 in 1998. The Dominican Navy under Rear Admiral Victor García Alecón is for the first time carrying out a widespread serious effort to reduce boat trips, which transport illegal persons (Dominicans and foreigners), weapons and drugs to Puerto Rico. They have arrested 594 persons, including 16 foreigners, that attempted to make the crossings. The Navy also recently created the Compañía Motorizada contra Viajes Ilegales, a group of 55 Navy officers that are patrolling the coasts on modern all-terrain motorbikes, and are equipped with night vision and communication equipment. The Navy frustrated 22 trips so far this year. The officers also have been instructed to protect the ecology and the fauna from human predators.
