Costa Rica News – Five people lost their lives on a rafting trip in Quepos after the rafts overturned. Four were tourists and one was a guide. Another 13 people, including tourists and guides were rescued. The group was here on a bachelor trip for one of the survivors.
It was not raining when they started but bad weather prevailed in the area from where the tributary feeds so that water could have caused the three rafts to overturn. At the time of rescue, authorities confirmed the channel of the river had grown.
The police received a request for help at 3:20 pm. They and the Red Cross arrived at the scene. Other tour companies and even a helicopter and horses participated in the search. The last body was found at 9 pm.
The police are unsure whether the company was recognized and permitted to carry out these tours as the personnel in charge can not be located.
The ICT, Minister of Tourism, and Chancellery are supporting the survivors and family members. The President of the Republic expressed his “deepest consternation at the water accident that occurred.”
The Tourism Minister called on all the country’s tour operators to prevent accidents by respecting the recommendations of the National Emergency Commission. Tropical wave #43 is currently traveling over the country increasing the flow of rivers and streams.
