A group of Dominicans and Haitian citizens who were trying to reach Puerto Rico by maritime route landed on Los Coquitos Beach, in the Veragua area, Espaillat province. According to testimonies collected by Noticias Villa Riva, the passengers arrived at the coast thinking they had arrived in Puerto Rican territory.
The Journey and the Confusion
The travelers, who were transported in a wooden and fiber boat, sailed for several days before the captain indicated that the lights observed from the sea were those of Puerto Rico. The passengers got off the boat and began to walk along the beach, not knowing that they were still in the Dominican Republic.
The Route and the Encounter with Fishermen
After landing, the group moved through the area of vegetation and difficult-to-access roads. As they passed through an area where fishermen were working at night, a man named Jordani found them and offered his help. In his account, some of the travelers asked if they were really in Puerto Rico, and others began to use typical Puerto Rican expressions.
The Support of the Local Community
Witnesses estimate that the number of people could range from 60 to 70, moving in separate groups. Jordani and other fishermen helped the group find a way out to the highway. The journey from the fishermen’s area to Los Coquitos Beach took several hours, with the travelers advancing around 7:00-8:00 p.m. and arriving at the exit area after 9:00 p.m.
The Location of the Boat
The Noticias Villa Riva team located the boat on Los Coquitos Beach, in Veragua. Remains of the small boat made of wood and fiber were observed. From that area, the Cabarete area can also be seen in the distance, whose night lights are related to the explanation of the residents about why the group thought they were facing Puerto Rico.
Credits: diarioaldia.com
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