At dawn yesterday, Tuesday 10 September, the Navy intercepted a boat on the high seas, taking 98 Haitians to Puerto Rico. The 35-foot boat was being captained by two Dominicans. The group comprised 76 men and 22 women, several of whom were pregnant. This brings the number of Haitians captured whilst crossing the Mona Channel to 923 so far this year. In this month alone 223 have been detained.
The number of Haitians intercepted in ‘yolas’ to Puerto Rico this year is more than 70% higher than Dominicans and Cubans.
Coast guard vessel Bellatrix, which patrols along the east coast, intercepted the boat.
Most of the Haitians detained do not speak Spanish. The authorities believe they are coming from different parts of Haiti, rather than from the Dominican Republic.
Haitians have along history of trying to leave their country, usually to the United States or the Dominican Republic. Now it appears they are trying to get to Puerto Rico and according to reports, hundreds have succeeded in recent months.
The cost to the Navy of trying to stop illegal journeys is increasing, as they have to pay daily expenses and food to more than 2,500 men who patrol the Dominican coastline around the clock and every day, especially in the eastern region.
www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2013/9/10/291633/Crece-oleada-de-haitianos-viajan-en-yola-con-destino-a-Puerto-Rico