Rescuers Search for Bodies in Colombian Lake


26 June, 2017

Rescue divers are searching for bodies after a passenger boat sank near Medellin, Colombia Sunday.

The El Almirante was carrying about 150 people when it turned over in the huge Penol-Guatape lake. The area is popular with visitors. Many private boats and other personal watercraft hurried to the Almirante as it was sinking. A local emergency aid official said at least 139 people were rescued or swam to safety.

A map of Colombia showing the locations of Guatape and the capital, Bogota.
A map of Colombia showing the locations of Guatape and the capital, Bogota.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos visited the area. He said it did not appear the boat was overloaded. Some survivors said they heard a loud noise just before the boat began to sink.

Colombia was marking a holiday weekend, so the lake and nearby town were more crowded than usual.

I'm Caty Weaver.

Caty Weaver adapted this report from an Associated Press story. Hai Do was the editor.

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