Boat accident in Chile claims six lives
A tragic boat accident off the southern coast of Chile, claimed six lives and left 27 survivors, following a vessel capsizing near San Juan de la Costa in the Osorno Province. The incident occurred in the Punta Tiburones area, approximately 960 kilometers south of Santiago.
The boat, traveling from Caleta Condor to Bahia Mansa, struck rocks after experiencing an engine malfunction. According to local authorities, the majority of passengers were part of a group of 21 family members. The journey, typically lasting two and a half hours, is a common but hazardous route due to challenging climatic and geographical conditions.
The provincial prosecutor's office in Osorno revealed multiple safety violations, including exceeding passenger capacity and lacking proper safety equipment. Additionally, the captain had breached protocol by operating without a trained boat operator present.
Law enforcement has detained both the boat's owner and captain. The owner faces homicide charges, as confirmed by Osorno's chief prosecutor, Maria Angelica de Miguel. Provincial presidential delegate Claudia Pailalef noted that such tourist services are often provided by local residents during the summer season in the southern hemisphere.
The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) initially reported four deaths and three missing persons. However, the investigative police later updated the death toll to six after recovering the final victim. Rescue operations, involving both professional teams and volunteers, continued through.
The incident has highlighted concerns about maritime safety regulations and tourist vessel operations in the region's popular coastal areas.
