PARÁ, BRAZIL - A boat sank in the Tapajós River in Itaituba, southwestern Pará, on Saturday (23), prompting a swift response from local residents and fishermen, who rescued around 50 people. All passengers, including children and elderly individuals, were saved.

The vessel was returning from the community of Pauiní—a riverside site that hosts a traditional annual Catholic celebration and is accessible only by river—located roughly 15 to 20 kilometers from Itaituba’s urban center. Parish secretary Pedro Lira, who was aboard the boat, described the panic that unfolded during the incident.

According to Lira, the mid-sized vessel was carrying between 50 and 60 passengers, many of them elderly, children, or individuals with physical disabilities or who couldn’t swim.

"We were enjoying a moment of fellowship on the boat," Pedro recalled, describing the festive atmosphere before the situation took a sudden turn.

That celebratory mood quickly gave way to panic when, approximately 200 to 300 meters from the riverbank, water began flooding the boat. The vessel sank within five to ten minutes.

Rescue efforts were aided immediately by nearby boats and fishermen.

Pará’s Military Fire Department responded to the scene and transported three individuals for precautionary medical evaluation. The Civil Police (PC) stated that the case was not formally reported at the local station.

Source: amazonagency.news