Two dead and at least 40 rescued after boat capsizes

A boat capsized west of Puerto Rico after a machete fight aboard, leaving two people dead, at least 40 rescued and an unknown number missing, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The search was still underway Monday evening near Mona Island, where survivors were found after spending more than 12 hours in the water. The Coast Guard said survivors estimated about 60 people had been aboard the makeshift boat. Authorities had not established the exact number of people missing, and the final passenger count remained uncertain. According to the Coast Guard, survivors reported that a fight broke out aboard and that people suffered severe machete injuries. Passengers then went into the water. The reports do not establish the full sequence of events or precisely how the boat capsized. A passing vessel spotted people in the water near Mona Island around noon Monday and alerted authorities. The Coast Guard said the vessel’s crew rescued four people before a wider search and rescue operation began. Coast Guard and partner agency crews later rescued at least 40 people in total and recovered two bodies. Search efforts continued in surrounding waters on Monday evening.