Its such a common occurrence that only the numbers make it newsworthy, but today the front page of all the morning newspapers carried the story of the rescue of 72 castaways following their failed attempt to get to Puerto Rico in a rowboat. Eleven women were among the bedraggled group who were returned to safety in a joint operation conducted by the U.S. and Dominican Coast Guards. Helicopters were used in the prolonged and difficult rescue maneuvers. The 37-foot craft debarked from Boca de Yuma – in the DR’s easternmost extremity – last Thursday night. Difficulties began almost immediately when it was discovered that there was insufficient gasoline on board to fuel the outboard motor. More over, apparently, no provision for food and water had been made. "I’ve had nothing to eat since we left," said Jose Elias Arias, age 25, from the City of Bani, "not even a plate of rice." When they were discovered helplessly adrift, some 50 miles out, many had begun to experience severe stomach problems and dehydration. Several passengers were later treated at a naval hospital while others were booked at police headquarters. In recent months, efforts to stem the outflow of illegals have been toughened, according to Vice Admiral Rafael De Jesus Monzon Brea. "We have the whole coast line covered," he said, referring to 1200 kilometers of Dominican coast, between Manzanillo in the Northeast and Azua in the Southwest, considered to embrace the prime debarkation areas. Despite the obstacles, organizers of the illegal voyages run a highly profitable business. Today’s survivors each paid DR$10,000 (about US$625) for their passage. Dominicans continue to pit their fortunes against the hazards of the sea because, as Arias said, they prefer to take the risk rather than face unemployment and "other problems" at home. This past March 7th, ten people drowned and 20 were reported "missing" near the Puerto Rican beach town of Pastilla Isabela, having almost attained their objective.
