Samana, Dominican Republic, Feb 8 (EFE).- A man suspected of being involved in the smuggling operation that went awry when a boat carrying dozens of migrants from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico sank, killing at least 20 people and leaving 24 others missing, has been arrested, the navy said.
David Cepeda Calcaño was arrested in connection with the shipwreck over the weekend off the coast of the northeastern province of Samana.
Cepeda is a "well-known organizer" of people-smuggling trips to Puerto Rico who operates in Nagua, Samana, San Francisco de Macoris, Sanchez and Rio San Juan, all located in the northeastern Dominican Republic, the navy said in a statement released Tuesday.
The small boat, which was carrying more than 70 illegal immigrants bound for Puerto Rico, sank early Saturday.
The vessel's stern began breaking up due to strong waves and the weight of the passengers, causing it to capsize, survivors said.
Cepeda was arrested at least three times between 2000 and 2008 for people trafficking, the navy said.
Two other people involved in the smuggling operation are being sought by authorities.
Searchers have recovered the bodies of 13 people so far, Nagua emergency management office director Minerva Santos said.
Emergency management office personnel are working with the navy and other agencies in the search for more bodies, Santos said.
Dominicans should not risk their lives trying to reach Puerto Rico by sea, Sen. Julio Cesar Valentin, a member of the governing Dominican Liberation Party, or PLD, who represents Santiago province, said.
People smugglers charged between 30,000 and 40,000 pesos ($770 and $1,025) to get the Dominicans into neighboring Puerto Rico, survivors said.
Thousands of Dominicans try to reach the U.S. commonwealth of Puerto Rico every year, preferring to risk their lives rather than continue living in poverty in their homeland.
Three people were killed and dozens of others disappeared in a shipwreck in December off Matancita beach, located in the northeastern Dominican Republic, while trying to reach Puerto Rico.
About 30 people managed to swim ashore, emergency management officials said.
Many migrants drown each year on the treacherous journey across the 100-kilometer (62-mile) Mona Passage on the rickety wooden boats known as "yolas."
