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Four American tourists and a local guide were killed in a rafting incident in Costa Rica on Saturday, authorities said.
Fourteen tourists and five guides were thrown into the waters of the Naranjo River in Costa Rica around 3 pm local time on Saturday. The five victims were swept away by the current, while others managed to hang on the rafts and were rescued by another kayak guide.
The four Americans, baptized Ernesto Sierra, Jorge Caso, Sergio Lorenzo and Andres Denis, had traveled to Costa Rica from Miami, Florida, for a bachelor party. The Costa Rican guide, Kevin Thompson Reid, is said to have been described as one of the most skilled workers in his company.
"What must have been a memorable weekend for 14 friends has turned into a living nightmare," said Anthony Castro, a survivor, in a GoFundMe fund set up to fund funeral expenses for his friends.
"When we arrived, it was windy and raining, and professional tour guides advised us to wait a bit before going out on the water. Less than an hour later, we were allowed to leave and we separated at 14 on 3 different rafts. Less than five minutes after being on the river, the three rafts capsized and everyone was found in the water. "
Authorities said the rains had inflated the river and that a flood warning was in place.
"Our bodies ricocheted against the rocks in the water while struggling to survive," wrote Castro. "Most of us finally managed to grab rocks or barriers in the water or around the water and wait for rescue teams to reach us. Unfortunately, we have not all been so lucky. Four of our dear friends drowned in these waters.
One of the victims was the brother of the bridegroom. The groom was on one of the inverted rafts, but survived the ordeal.
The Costa Rican Red Cross said the accident occurred in Liverpool from Quepos, near the country's west coast, about 50 km south of the capital San Jose. He said 12 of his workers were nearby and participated in the rescue.
The state department confirmed the death of four Americans. "We are saddened by the announcement of a rafting accident in Costa Rica," said a spokesman. "We can confirm that 4 US citizens have died as a result of the accident."
"We send our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones and extend our gratitude to the Government of Costa Rica for its support in dealing with this tragedy."
