SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The US Coast Guard (USCG) continued its mass search-and-rescue operation on September 29 for 10 people who remain missing after a makeshift vessel capsized the previous day.

The USCG said 49 people have been rescued, while three bodies have been recovered.

The Coast Guard said survivors confirmed that there were 62 people aboard the vessel when it capsized at about 11 pm on September 28.

USCG reported crew members of the Motor Vessel Tripiti reported the incident to its San Juan watchstanders at approximately noon and rescued four people from the water. 

Survivors initially reported that an estimated 60 people were aboard.

The makeshift vessel reportedly capsized after a fight broke out, during which people were severely injured with a machete. 

The incident forced people to jump into the water and attempt to swim to Mona Island.

No one aboard the vessel was wearing a life jacket.

Sector San Juan crews and maritime partners continued working together as the search-and-rescue operation remained underway.

The USCG urged concerned family members who believe their loved ones may have been aboard the vessel to contact the Consul General at 787-725-9550 or 939-204-2066, or by email at consudompr@mirex.gob.do or consanjuan@mirex.gob.do.