Seven people have died after a tourist boat that was allegedly overcrowded sank with 34 passengers on board.
Five women and two men lost their lives in the tragedy after a group of 21 hired the Río Cholguaco boat.
During the trip, the 34-year-old captain, Rodrigo Pailapichún, allegedly allowed a few extra guests to board the boat.
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Some survivors claim that passengers were standing on top of the roof so that there was enough space.
The boat battled heavy rain and hit some rocks just five kilometres away from its destination at around 7.20pm on Sunday (26 Jan).
The vessel was due to travel from Caleta Cóndor to Bahía Mansa, in Osorno, south of Santiago, Chile.
Twenty seven people, including eight children, survived the tragedy, as reported by Need To Know.
Preliminary information delivered by prosecutor, María Angélica de Miguel, states that the capacity of the boat was just 25 persons.
The lack of safety measures and adverse weather conditions are thought to be the main causes of the accident.
In the early hours of Monday (27 Jan), several boats searched for those that had gone missing.
They used drones, divers, sailors and fishermen as part of their extensive search.
Harrowing footage shows the moment a rescue helicopter circled the water, desperately hunting for survivors.
The Chilean Navy revealed the accident in a post on Facebook yesterday, adding that the search is still underway.
“The search continues in the Tril Tril area, San Juan de la Costa, after the accident of the ‘Río Cholguaco’ boat,” they wrote.
The Osorno prosecutor, María, added that as well as not following the correct safety precautions, the captain had also violated protocol.
He is thought to have not been accompanied by a person who is trained to handle the boat.
She revealed that Rodrigo was joined on the boat by his 16-year-old daughter.
The Investigative Police have since arrested Rodrigo as they continue their investigation into the incident.
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