Landslide sinks two passenger boats in Peru, 13 dead, dozens missing

A landslide on the Ucayali River in Peru’s Amazon region sank two passenger vessels, killing 13 people and leaving dozens missing.

The incident occurred at the port of Iparia in the Coronel Portillo department, Caliber.Az reports, citing Andina.

Both boats were docked at the riverbank when the landslide struck, causing severe damage. The Ministry of Health confirmed that 20 survivors are receiving treatment, while rescue teams have found 18 people alive.

National police and navy teams were airlifted by helicopters to support the rescue mission.

According to Peru’s National Emergency Operations Center, the landslide was triggered by riverbank erosion.

Initial reports indicate that one vessel, Rapido Oriente, was completely submerged, while the second, Deo Rigo, sustained significant damage.

The Deo Rigo, travelling from a nearby indigenous community, had stopped in Iparia to let passengers disembark when the landslide struck. Among those on board were teachers and doctors.

By Jeyhun Aghazada