Boat flips near Dominican coast; at least 1 death

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Dominican authorities are searching for survivors after a boat carrying about 20 migrants apparently capsized off the eastern tip of the country.

At least one person reportedly died and the director of the civil defense agency for the region says one survivor is in the hospital. Amado Avilas said Friday that the woman told officials the other migrants on board all swam safely to shore.

The boat overturned Thursday shortly after the group set off for Puerto Rico across the Mona Passage. Authorities have located the vessel but don’t yet know why it capsized.

Most of those on board were apparently Haitian.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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