The local press has been full of front-page headlines on the tragic ending of two boat trips with travelers clandestinely headed for US territory. One boat departed from La Romana along the southeast coast, and sunk off the coast of Haiti with 60 persons on board, among Haitians and Dominicans. Another sunk off the coast of St. Martin. Only two Dominicans survived each of the trips. News reports say the survivor, Carlos Pinales told Cuban physicians that assisted him at a Cuban doctor-run clinic in northern Haiti that the survivors ate human flesh in their desperation. Most of those who died off the coast of Haiti were buried there given the state of decomposition of the bodies. Press reports also reveal that the delays in bringing the corpses back from St. Martin is that several of these have not been identified as of Dominican nationality. Alejandro Ayuso, deputy minister of the Ministry of Foreign Relations in charge of consular affairs, said that the nationality must be established prior to transporting a dead body. Between the two trips, some 64 Dominicans are reported missing or dead. Commenting on the plight of the Dominicans, President Mejia admitted that pessimism over economic improvements at home be the main reason behind the risk ventures. This motivates them to want to join relatives and friends that are living abroad. He said he is optimistic notable short and medium term economic and social improvements are forthcoming.
