A British man was among three tourists killed in Costa Rica when a boat carrying more than 100 people capsized in rough seas.
The other victims were a Canadian and an American woman, according to Costa Rican authorities
The catamaran was taking tourists to the Tortuga Island, on the country’s Pacific Coast, when it was hit by strong winds and powerful waves, according to reports.
Survivors said they were given lifejackets shortly before the boat sank.
“We were floating in the ocean. Many people were crying, screaming, asking for help,” an unidentified woman told local television.
The Pura Vida Princess was carrying 99 tourists and 10 crew when it sank some nine miles offshore at around 9am local time yesterday.
The country’s vice president Ana Helena Chacon said 106 people had been rescued. She praised the work of the lifeguards, security ministry and the Red Cross.
Earlier reports said two tourists were missing, but Chacon said all the passengers and crew, with the exception of the three casualties, had been accounted for.
“It’s a sad day for our country, that receives so many tourists,” she said.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are aware of an incident on a boat off the coast of Costa Rica involving British nationals. We are in close contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance.”
The Central American nation is considered one of the safest and most popular tourist destinations in Latin America.
Some 2.4 million foreign tourists – most of them from the US – visited the country in 2013, according to Costa Rica’s Tourism Board.
Thomson Airways is to start the only direct flight from the UK to Costa Rica in November.