Tourist Boat Bursts Into Flames, 92 Passengers Leap Into Sea

A tourist catamaran erupted into flames off the coast of northern Colombia, forcing all 92 people onboard to leap into the sea as thick smoke and fire rapidly engulfed the vessel.

Initial reports suggest the blaze was sparked by a short circuit in one of the boat’s engines while it was sailing with 89 tourists and three crew members onboard.

The fire spread at an alarming rate, leaving those aboard with no choice but to abandon ship.

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Dramatic footage captured the chaotic scene, showing passengers struggling in the water as towering flames and dense black smoke poured from the catamaran.

Other videos document the swift response of maritime authorities as rescue teams rushed to the area to assist those in distress.

Emergency protocols were quickly activated, and all 92 individuals were safely recovered from the sea.

A spokesperson for the General Maritime Directorate confirmed the vessel was operating a tourist excursion when the fire broke out in its propulsion system, triggering an immediate emergency response.

The rescued passengers were brought to the Marine Life Centre in Santa Marta, where they received medical attention.

Carlos Gutiérrez, one of the passengers, described the terrifying ordeal: “They told us to stay calm, but when we saw the smoke and fire, panic took over.

All we could think about was saving ourselves. Some people were injured as they jumped into the water or struggled to reach the rescue boats.”

Carla Méndez, a tourist from Bogotá, recalled the chaos: “It was horrifying. We heard screams, and people were desperately jumping into the water.”

According to Port Captain César Grisales, all passengers were transported to the dock, where they underwent medical checks. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported.

The vessel, named Katamaran Tayrona, is operated by the company Taximarino. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.

The forty holidaymakers stranded in the sea after their tourist boat sank. (Picture: Jam Press)

The incident came just a day after another maritime disaster in the nearby Rosario Islands, where a tourist boat sank, leaving 40 holidaymakers and three crew members stranded at sea.

The Colombian Navy, assisted by Coast Guard units in Cartagena and nearby civilian vessels, conducted a swift rescue operation.

Thankfully, no lives were lost in either incident.

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SOURCE: Tourist boat explodes in flames as 92 people on board jump in sea | Need To Know