The 120-passenger Pura Vida Princess (built 2007) sank yesterday while on a voyage from Marina Los Suenos to Tortuga, a popular resort island off the country’s cenral Pacific coast.
On board were 98 passengers, mostly foreign tourists, and 10 crew. They were rescued by nearby boats.
Costa Rica’s Public Security Ministry has confirmed that three passengers died in the incident. The victims were from the US, UK and Canada.
The cause of the sinking is not known. Local authorities say the area was affected by high winds and passengers report that the ship was swamped by high waves.
Authorities have stressed that the ship was properly maintained and authorized to sail under the weather conditions that were prevalent at the time.
The vessel was operated by a company called Pura Vida Princess Tours.
