Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student who went missing since Thursday, was on vacation in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana is a resort town located on the eastern edge of the island, including the Dominican Republic and Haiti. A “full search” of the ocean from the Caribbean could not raise traces of the missing University of Pittsburgh student, and her father urged authorities to consider foul plays such as “invited or adduction,” assuming she was drowned, he told WTOP-FM.
Sudiksha Conanki, from Loudon County, Virginia, was on a spring break trip from Pitt with five female friends.
Here’s what we know about Punta Cana, where Conanki was last seen:
Crews from various agencies are making search efforts in the coastal area of ​​Bavaro, the Dominican Republic, where Conanki went missing on March 6, 2025.
Where is Punta Cana?
Punta Cana is a 2.5-hour drive from Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican. The 30-mile white sandy beach attracts tourists from North America and across other regions.
Its all inclusive resorts, water parks, 10 golf courses, marinas, entertainment districts and shopping areas paint a mixture of students, families, couples, golfers and beach fans.
Latest: Interested Person Identified in the Loss of US Students in the Dominican Republic
Why go to Punta Cana?
Off the beach, Punta Cana is also characterized by its lagoon and cenote (a deep freshwater reservoir that is fed with rain and river water common in Mexico and the Caribbean).
Ojos IndÃgenasand Scrape Park, two other Punta Cana attractions feature forest ziplines, caves and trails.
Punta Cana airport is one of the busiest in the region
According to the Dominican Republic Tourism page, Punta Cana International Airport is the most connected airport in the Caribbean and Central America region. Flights from 26 countries bring as many as 2 million passengers into the country per year.
Also, the relatively new port, Marina Capkana, opened in 2017 for a small luxury cruise ship. It is about an hour’s drive from Punta Cana’s most popular beaches and attractions, and about two hours from Santo Domingo.
Is Punta Cana safe for Americans?
A June 2024 travel advisory from the US State Department encourages Americans to “be careful” with a level 2 notification. The recommendation cites violent crimes, including armed robbery, murder and sexual assault as concerns across the Dominican Republic, but the 911 emergency system, and the increased security and resources around tourist destinations like Punta Cana, means that urban areas like the capital tend to become better urban areas.
Still, the State Department says that “the wide range of weapons availability, the use and trade of illegal drugs, and the weak criminal justice system contribute to high levels of crime on a wider scale.”
Search: “Complete” search for missing student reports in the Dominican Republic
What precautions should Americans take when traveling to Punta Cana?
The State Department urges Americans to travel to Dominican Republicans, to be aware of their surroundings and follow the advice of tours and resort operators on local safety precautions. Also, tourists should not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive gems.
The State Department also says tourists should register for the Smart Traveler Registration Program, look for advisories for department social media accounts, and prepare contingencies, including completing traveller checklists.
This article originally appeared in USA Today: Sudiksha Konanki knows about Punta Cana, where he was last seen.
