3 dead after pleasure cruise carrying 109 sinks off Costa Rica
An American, Canadian and Briton died after a day trip boat carrying 99 tourists to Tortuga Island sank Thursday, officials said. The remaining 106 people onboard have been rescued.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, January 9, 2015, 1:50 AM
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SEGURIDAD PUBLICA DE COSTA RICA / HANDOUT/EPAA group of tourists were moved by authorities to their hotels after being rescued from the waters of the Central Pacific coast.
San Jose - A catamaran carrying dozens of foreign tourists on a pleasure cruise capsized off Costa Rica on Thursday, killing three people, emergency officials said.
The boat, which was on a day trip to the popular Tortuga (Turtle) Island, sank completely about nine miles off the country’s central Pacific coast.
Firefighters corps director Hector Chavez said initial reports of an explosion and fire were mistaken. Survivors reported that strong waves filled the boat with water and caused it to sink, he said.
Chavez said three people died. The public security ministry said in a Twitter posting that the victims were a US citizen, a Canadian and a man from Britain.
Vice-president Ana Helena Chacon said at a news conference that 106 people were rescued, meaning all of the cruise’s 99 passengers and 10 crew were accounted for.
“We want to extend our condolences to the victims’ families,” Chacon said.
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The National Meteorological Institute had issued a warning about strong winds buffeting the country this week, but authorities said the boat was properly permitted and authorised by the port captain to set sail.
Private boats in the area took in passengers until rescuers arrived. They were later transported to two emergency centres on shore.
The tour operator reported that the Pura Vida Princess, a 100ft catamaran, left Marina Los Suenos on Thursday morning.
According to the Pura Vida Princess website, the Tortuga Island day trip costs $125 and includes meals, a DJ, snorkelling and open bar.
