SANTIAGO, Jan 28, (V7N) – A tragic boat accident occurred in southern Chile over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of at least six people, with one still missing, authorities confirmed on Monday.
The vessel, carrying 32 passengers and two crew members, departed from Osorno on Sunday, navigating the Rio Negro. It tragically capsized just before reaching its destination, the Pacific port of Bahia Mansa.
The Chilean Navy has launched a rescue and recovery operation. So far, six fatalities have been confirmed, while efforts continue to locate the missing individual. The nationalities of the victims have not yet been disclosed.
Overloading and Negligence Suspected
The boat's captain has been arrested, with prosecutors alleging the vessel was overloaded. Additionally, it was reported that several passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, raising concerns about safety measures.
This tragic event highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols for water transportation. An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances leading to the disaster.
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