January 9, 2015
SAN JOSE, (AFP) - A tourist catamaran packed with more than 100 people sank off Costa Rica on Thursday, leaving at least two people dead as authorities rushed to rescue passengers.
At least 18 people have been saved so far and the rescue operation is ongoing, fire brigade director Hector Chavez told Radio Monumental.
The ship began to sink after it was slammed by a huge wave, said public security deputy minister Maria Fulmen.
"Five boats have been deployed to the area with everything they need for the rescue, as well as two helicopters to rescue people and take them to hospitals," Fulmen said.
The catamaran had sailed off from Los Suenos on the Pacific coast and was heading to Tortuga Island when the shipwreck happened.
Costa Rica has been hit by powerful winds that have produced huge waves, while tearing down trees and billboards inland.
