Death Toll Rises in Paraguay-Brazil Tour Boat Accident

The Paraguay-registered pleasure boat went down Wednesday in winds gusting 90 kilometers (55 miles) per hour after what Brazilian authorities described as a "mini tornado" that struck the Pantanal wetlands region, a major tourist region.

The death toll from this tourist boat accident that capsized in high winds on the Paraguay River in Brazil's central Mato Grosso state reached 11 Saturday, rescue authorities said.

Local fire and rescue authorities in the Brazilian town of Porto Murtinho on the Paraguay border found three more bodies on Friday -- two tourists and a Paraguayan crewman.

A combined effort by 14 Brazilian and six Paraguayan divers was under way for a third day with three passengers still missing. A total of 16 Brazilian tourists and ten Paraguayan crew were onboard the Sueno del Pantanal when it sank. Initial reports had said 11 crew were present.

Although less well-known than the Amazon, Brazil's Pantanal region is one of the world's largest wetland areas. It is a popular attraction for eco-tourists who flock to see its rich flora and wildlife, including jaguars, which are threatened with extinction.

Source: eturbonews.com