Dominican Migration to Puerto Rico: Risks & Rising Costs of Illegal Sea Routes

Dangerous Sea Route to Puerto Rico Claims Lives, Fuels Desperation

The dream of a better life in the United States continues to drive thousands of Dominicans to risk perilous sea voyages to Puerto Rico, a journey increasingly fraught with danger and exploitation. Despite growing awareness of the risks, and increased efforts to intercept these illegal crossings, the flow of migrants attempting to reach Borinquen – as Puerto Rico is known in the Dominican Republic – shows no sign of abating.

On Saturday, authorities in the Dominican Republic reported at least four deaths after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the eastern coast. Seventeen people were rescued and received medical attention, but officials estimate around 40 people were originally on board. The boat sank to a depth of between 500 and 600 meters, complicating search efforts, which are further hampered by strong waves and challenging seabed conditions. The passengers included migrants from both Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The number of illegal journeys to Puerto Rico by sea has risen significantly in recent years, turning the waters between the two islands into one of the most dangerous migration routes in the Caribbean. In 2022, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) documented at least 321 deaths and disappearances of migrants in the Caribbean – the highest number since 2014.

Migrants often sell all their possessions and pay substantial sums of money to smugglers, with no guarantee of safety or even a successful crossing. They embark in fragile wooden boats, hoping to reach a better life just over the horizon. But the risks extend far beyond the treacherous waters. Reports indicate that these voyages are plagued by violence, exploitation, and criminal activity.

The IOM warns that migrants are vulnerable to human trafficking and exploitation, potentially falling victim to sexual or labor abuse. The Center for Migration Observation and Social Development in the Caribbean (Obmica) reports disturbing accounts of women being thrown overboard during menstruation or after suffering miscarriages. Obmica’s 2023 report, “Dominican Emigration: Figures and Trends,” also details instances of sexual assault, often unreported due to fear and shame.

A recent IOM baseline investigation revealed that nearly 95% of migrants and potential migrants are aware of the dangers involved in the journey. The most recognized risks include separation from family and friends, the possibility of death, and the threat of robbery, violence, and sexual abuse at the hands of traffickers. Despite this awareness, the desperation driving these journeys persists.

Between 2023 and mid-2025, the Dominican Armada (ARD) has rescued or detained 7,587 people attempting to reach Puerto Rico by boat, intercepting 972 vessels. The majority of these attempts originate from provinces in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, including La Altagracia, El Seibo, and Hato Mayor. Municipalities like Miches and Sabana de la Mar are particularly active departure points, due to their proximity to Puerto Rico, favorable navigation conditions, and the presence of facilitators.

The practice of traveling by “yola” – small, open boats – dates back to at least 1980, when Dominicans comprised 29% of the foreign-born population in Puerto Rico, according to the IOM. That percentage has steadily increased over the years, making Dominicans the largest ethnic minority in Puerto Rico today.

Local accounts from Miches trace the origins of these voyages to a pair of fishermen who, while fishing at night, spotted the lights of Puerto Rico. Lacking adequate coastal security at the time, they began making practice runs, gradually extending their range until they successfully reached the island. This sparked a wave of imitations, initially without charge.

Over time, the practice became commercialized. “Captains of the voyage” emerged – experienced sailors who memorized the route and organized the crossings, often using compasses. In the 1990s, a passage to Puerto Rico cost around RD$1,500 or RD$2,000 (approximately US$30-40 at the time), and migrants often found work and relative stability upon arrival.

Today, the price has skyrocketed to between US$5,000 and US$10,000, with no guarantee of boarding the boat. Scams are rampant, with organizers often overselling spaces or simply disappearing with the money. Residents of Sabana de la Mar report that people travel from across the country, waiting weeks or months for an opportunity, often falling prey to unscrupulous operators.

“Now it’s not so common because anyone has a cell phone and can call a family member for help, but you still find people who ask you for a passage and tell you they came here to go by yola and were scammed,” said Rafael Mota, a resident of a district in Sabana de la Mar. He added that many who come seeking passage are driven by economic hardship, while others are fleeing legal trouble in their home provinces.