At least two people died in one accident on Saturday (18), at Lago de Furnas, located in the municipality of Capitólio, in Minas Gerais . The information was released by the Public Association of Municipalities of the Middle Rio Grande Microregion (Ameg).
According to an association publication in the social networks the accident occurred when a flat-bottomed boat was transferring passengers from a speedboat that was experiencing mechanical problems.
The speedboat was carrying 14 passengers, and requested the support of other vessels for the rescue. The boat, which already had 10 passengers, answered the call, but during the transfer it could not bear the weight and capsized.
Ameg claims that the two fatal victims are a woman who lives in Paraguaçu, in Minas Gerais, and a man who lived in Guarulhos, in Sao Paulo . The two were unable to get out from under the boat, and drowned.
Also according to the publication, sailors tried to revive the two victims before the arrival of the rescue, but the SAMU found the deaths. The other passengers had only minor injuries.
The association reported that the mayor of Capitol Cristiano Silva (PP), went to the scene to assist the victims and accompany the rescue work, which also involved the Brazilian Navy and the Civil Police.
“Our respect to the families bereaved in this accident. We have been constantly working to increase security in the region. All vessels are required to provide enough life jackets for all passengers and crew,” he said. According to him, all passengers were wearing a vest at the time of the accident.
Tragedy on Capitol Hill
Also in 2022, the Lago de Furnas region recorded another accident in January. A rock collapse in a canyon resulted in ten deaths . All the victims were in a speedboat, which was hit at the time of the collapse.
Access to the lake’s canyons was suspended for two months, and was resumed in march . However, visits returned with restrictions. At the time, the mayor of Capitólio established that the visit would be released in a “controlled way and with reduced flow, respecting limits of distance from the walls”.
The new rules determine that, daily, before opening for visitations, the site will undergo an analysis by a geologist, who will check for signs of erosion processes or mass movements.
In addition, only five vessels can sail through the site at a time. In case of rain, the tours must be interrupted. Another change implemented is the mandatory use of helmets and life jackets for all passengers.
See images of the collapse in Capitólio (MG) in January 2022
Source: CNN Brasil
