Catamaran Sinks, 3 Dead, 106 Saved

A catamaran carrying 109 people capsized and sank of Costa Rica on Thursday, killing three elderly passengers.

The 100-foot vessel was heading for Tortuga Island when it sank in rough weather about 15km off the coast.

Those that died were a 70-year-old woman from the U.S., an 80-year-old man from the UK and a Canadian. All others on board were rescued by private boats in the area and rescue authorities.

Although weather warnings were issued, the boat had been authorized to depart by the port captain.
 
The transport ministry said the catamaran, owned by the company Pura Vida Princess, was built in 2007 and was authorized to carry 120 passengers and 10 crew members, reports The Telegraph, UK. The ship appeared to have had enough lifeboats and life jackets, according to the ministry statement.