SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A Dominican national received a sentence of nine years in prison on Monday after admitting to his role in a human smuggling venture tied to the tragic deaths of 11 migrants.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fermín Montilla was the captain of a boat that was transporting 48 individuals from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico when it capsized in May 2022 close to a remote island.

Among the deceased were 11 Haitian girls and women, who were subsequently interred in Puerto Rico.

The dire situation has driven a significant number of Haitians to flee their homeland, which is plagued by extreme poverty and rampant gang violence. Many of these individuals undertake the perilous journey from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, a route known for its treacherous waters that have resulted in numerous fatalities in recent years.