Deadly speedboat accident near meeting of the waters leaves child and woman dead

At least two people have died and seven remain missing after a tourist speedboat capsized near the famed Meeting of the Waters in Manaus, Brazil.

The vessel overturned around 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Feb. 13, as it traveled between Manaus and Nova Olinda do Norte, according to local outlet G1 Globo. 

The incident occurred near the popular destination where the dark waters of the Rio Negro meet the sandy-colored Solimões River.

Authorities confirmed that a 3-year-old girl, identified as Samila de Souza, was among the victims. She was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. 

The second victim, 22-year-old Lara Bianca, was later identified by the Forensic Medical Institute after her body was brought to the Port of Manaus.

In videos shared by local media, dozens of passengers were seen clinging to life preservers as they attempted to reach shore. Seventy-one people survived the accident.

“Most of them had already been rescued by boats passing by the area,” Colonel Ellton of the specialized fire brigade told G1 Globo, noting that emergency teams provided on-site medical care to those still in the water.

Approximately 25 firefighters responded with three boats and eight vehicles, supported by a police boat and a Mobile Emergency Care Service ambulance, according to Metropoles.

Operator Lima de Abreu Navegações said in a statement that it is working with authorities to determine the cause of the incident.

“From the very first moment, all appropriate emergency measures were taken,” the company said. “The company's absolute priority has been to provide full assistance to the victims and their families.”