Minute30.com .- Deep sadness overwhelms the communities of the Pacific coast after confirming a maritime tragedy that occurred this Saturday, December 27. A boat carrying between 30 and 40 passengers capsized in open waters while covering the route between the port of Buenaventura (Valle) and the municipality of Timbiquí (Cauca).
What should have been a family reunion trip for the end of the year turned into a scene of anguish and despair when the boat, for reasons that are still the subject of investigation, lost stability and left all its occupants adrift.
Authorities are searching for two people who disappeared after the shipwreck. Photo: Video capture
The victims: Immense pain
The authorities’ preliminary assessment is heartbreaking. So far the death of four people has been confirmed. The greatest tragedy falls on children, since among the victims are two minors: a little girl who was only three months old and a six-year-old girl.
Tireless search for missing people
Despite the efforts of other sailors who came to the rescue and the intervention of the National Navy, the official report indicates that at least two people remain missing. For this reason, relief agencies maintain active search and rescue protocols, although it is feared that the number of fatalities could increase as the hours go by.
Emergency details:
Route: Buenaventura – Timbiquí.
Passengers: Between 30 and 40 people.
Deceased: 4 (including 2 minors).
Status: Active search for missing persons.
This unfortunate fact once again puts on the table the debate about overcrowding and the safety conditions of vessels that provide service in the Pacific, especially in seasons of high passenger flow like the current one.
The Port Authority authorities urge transporters to strictly respect load limits and the use of life jackets.