02/05/2012 TRAGEDY STRIKES IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

02/05/2012 BACK TO PUERTO BAHIA MARINA AND SUPER BOWL SUNDAY


SUNDAY

11 NM

DOCKED AT PUERTO BAHIA MARINA (www.puertobahiasamana.com) $1./FT/DAY FOR <7DAYS, POWER=.50/KWA, WATER=3.50/DAY

SUNRISE AT SAMANA: 7:11 AM

SUNSET AT SAMANA: 6:32 PM

“What’s a US Coast Guard helicopter doing out there in the Samana Bay?” observed Dan from our still-anchored Quest first thing this morning. Yes, indeed, why are they here? Our queries were answered when Adventure II that had already pulled up anchor and headed out into the bay for their return to Puerto Bahia gave call to the Coast Guard. Tragically, it seems that the “YOLA”, a boat filled with 70 illegal immigrants seeking refuge from the Dominican Republic in the US Territory of Puerto Rico, capsized and sank just before dawn on Saturday. The USCG had been assisting in the search and rescue mission since the request came through around mid-day. As our morning progressed and we too headed back to the marina, we were able to overhear radio transmissions that indicated the sighting of debris and two bodies to be recovered. With 13 rescued and 17 bodies as of this time the prospects are looking dim for finding any more survivors. What a tragedy and how desperate these poor people must be to risk their lives to escape in an ill-fitted, overcrowded little boat.  Remember to be thankful for all of our blessings!

THE USCG HELICOPTER SEARCHING THE BAY FOR SURVIVORS



THE DOMINICAN NAVY

USCG CUTTER TROLLING THROUGH THE CLOUD SHROUDED BAY

We were welcomed back to the lovely Puerto Bahia. I have to tell you that these folks really know about customer service and practice its finer point with every contact with their guests. Everyone, from the dock hands to the hotel desk clerks to the bar tenders and wait staff to the management, greets you with a warm Dominican greeting and a desire to meet all your needs. What a novel concept to make the customer happy!

A crowd of interested parties gathered at the Café del Mar for an evening of Super Bowl. They weren’t sure that they would be able to receive the game until the very last minute but finally got things worked out. The Northeast was well represented but those darn Patriots just couldn’t quite pull it off.