30 January 2024 , 12:36
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A tourist boat has capsized off the coast of holiday hotspot Cancun in Mexico leaving at least four dead including a 10-year-old boy.
The 'Goddess of the Sea' catamaran set off from Cancun to travel to the nearby Isla Mujeres, with around 16 people onboard, reports have said. The vessel was believed to have been hired by the group of tourists to visit the small island and left shore at around 7pm last night.
Reports say the vessel likely encountered a technical problem or was overturned by a freak wave. Meteorologists said a cold front had caused strong winds and choppy conditions at sea, with waves estimated to be around 10 feet high.
A distress call was sent out and local boats were mobilised to help the victims in the water but authorities are still trying to find at least five people who were on board at the time of the accident, but currently remain missing. Several injured passengers were transported to a health centre on Isla Mujeres.
Boats were sent out to rescue people in the water (Jam Press)One woman is said to be in a serious condition. The captain of the vessel has been placed under arrest as the authorities carry out an investigation and determine if human error was at play.
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