Dominican Republic ends search for bodies from migrant boat

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic- The Dominican Republic Tuesday ended a search and rescue operation triggered by the capsizing of a crowded migrant boat, with eight people confirmed dead and an unknown number missing.

The vessel was headed for Puerto Rico, a US territory, on Friday when it flipped over. Survivors said it was carrying between 40 and 50 people but authorities have not been able to determine the exact number.

"We conclude with 17 people rescued and eight bodies recovered,” Fernando Castillo, a provincial civil defense official in charge of the rescue effort, told AFP.

He said he did not know the number of people missing from the tragedy.

The fatalities were Dominicans and Haitians, both men and women, he said.

The search effort was hampered by strong waves and thick patches of seaweed off the coast, officials said.