The U.S. Coast Guard reported Tuesday that it has rescued 49 people and recovered the bodies of three others after an improvised vessel was wrecked near Mona Island. The search continues for 10 missing people, after survivors confirmed that 62 people were aboard. The cutter Joseph Doyle was to take the survivors ashore, where they would be handed over to personnel from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
On Monday, the Coast Guard had reported about 40 people rescued and two bodies recovered; initially about 60 people were believed to be aboard. According to the earlier information, a fight broke out on board Sunday night in which several people were seriously injured with what appeared to be a machete. The incident caused several passengers to jump into the water and try to swim to Mona Island.
None wore a life jacket, according to the agency. The crew of the Motor Vessel Tripiti alerted Coast Guard Sector San Juan around midday Monday after rescuing four people in the water. The immigration status of those aboard was not specified.
The Coast Guard asked the public to avoid the area while rescue crews work. Anyone with information that could aid the search can contact the Sector San Juan Command Center at 787-289-2041.