A sightseeing trip near one of Brazil’s most famous natural landmarks turned tragic when a passenger speedboat capsized, leaving at least two people dead and several others missing.
The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Feb. 13, as the Lima de Abreu XV speedboat was traveling between Manaus and Nova Olinda do Norte. The vessel overturned near the Meeting of the Waters — the stunning spot where the dark Rio Negro and the sandy-colored Solimões River flow side by side without mixing.
According to local outlet G1 Globo, seven people remain missing following the incident. Authorities confirmed that 71 passengers survived.
Videos obtained by Brazilian media show dozens of people in the water, clinging to life preservers and trying to make their way to shore as nearby boats rushed to help.
“Most of them had already been rescued by boats passing by the area,” Colonel Ellton, commander of the specialized firefighters, told reporters. He said emergency teams focused on pre-hospital care and water rescues for those still stranded.
The Amazonas State Health Department confirmed that one of the victims was a 3-year-old girl, Samila de Souza. She was taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Later that evening, the Forensic Medical Institute identified the second victim as 22-year-old Lara Bianca. Her body was recovered and transported to the Port of Manaus.
The boat operator, Lima de Abreu Navegações, released a statement saying they are working closely with authorities to determine what caused the vessel to capsize.
“Currently, we are conducting a conference call with all individuals who were on board, including passengers and crew, in order to confirm the information with complete responsibility and transparency,” the company said. “From the very first moment, all appropriate emergency measures were taken.”
The company added that its “absolute priority” is supporting the victims and their families during what it described as “a time of immense grief.”
Approximately 25 firefighters responded to the scene, supported by three rescue boats and eight emergency vehicles. A police vessel and an ambulance unit were also deployed.
In the days following the tragedy, four survivors have been discharged from state-run hospitals after receiving treatment. One additional patient remains hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition.
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