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3 dead in tourist catamaran wreck off Costa Rica

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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — A catamaran carrying dozens of foreign tourists on a pleasure cruise capsized off Costa Rica on Thursday, killing three people, emergency officials said.

The boat, which was on a day trip to the popular Tortuga (Turtle) Island, sank completely about 9 miles (15 kilometers) off the country’s central Pacific Coast.

Firefighters Corps director Hector Chavez said initial reports of an explosion and fire were mistaken. Survivors reported that strong waves filled the boat with water and caused it to sink, he said.

Chavez said three people died. The Public Security Ministry said in a Twitter posting that the victims were a U.S. citizen, a Canadian and a man from Britain.

Vice President Ana Helena Chacon said at a news conference that 106 people were rescued, meaning all of the cruise’s 99 passengers and 10 crew were accounted for.

“We want to extend our condolences to the victims’ families,” Chacon said.

The National Meteorological Institute had issued a warning about strong winds buffeting the country this week, but authorities said the boat was properly permitted and authorized by the port captain to set sail.

Private boats in the area took in passengers until rescuers arrived. They were later transported to two emergency centers on shore.

The tour operator reported that the Pura Vida Princess, a 100-foot catamaran, left Marina Los Suenos on Thursday morning.

According to the Pura Vida Princess website, the Tortuga Island day trip costs $125 and includes meals, a DJ, snorkeling and open bar.

catamaran deaths in costa rica

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Survivors of the shipwreck board a bus at a coastguard station.

Three dead after catamaran capsizes off Costa Rica

Briton, US citizen and Canadian said to have died after boat carrying 109 people sank on day trip to Tortuga Island

A catamaran carrying dozens of foreign tourists on a pleasure cruise capsized off Costa Rica on Thursday, killing three people, emergency officials said.

The boat, which was on a day trip to the popular Tortuga (Turtle) Island, sank completely about nine miles off the country’s central Pacific coast.

Firefighters corps director Hector Chavez said initial reports of an explosion and fire were mistaken. Survivors reported that strong waves filled the boat with water and caused it to sink, he said.

Chavez said three people died. The public security ministry said in a Twitter posting that the victims were a US citizen, a Canadian and a man from Britain.

Vice-president Ana Helena Chacon said at a news conference that 106 people were rescued, meaning all of the cruise’s 99 passengers and 10 crew were accounted for.

“We want to extend our condolences to the victims’ families,” Chacon said.

The National Meteorological Institute had issued a warning about strong winds buffeting the country this week, but authorities said the boat was properly permitted and authorised by the port captain to set sail.

Private boats in the area took in passengers until rescuers arrived. They were later transported to two emergency centres on shore.

The tour operator reported that the Pura Vida Princess, a 100ft catamaran, left Marina Los Suenos on Thursday morning.

According to the Pura Vida Princess website, the Tortuga Island day trip costs $125 and includes meals, a DJ, snorkelling and open bar.

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  • Nation & World

3 dead in tourist catamaran wreck off Costa Rica

A catamaran carrying dozens of foreign tourists on a pleasure cruise capsized off Costa Rica on Thursday, killing three people, emergency officials said.

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The boat, which was on a day trip to the popular Tortuga (Turtle) Island, sank completely about 9 miles (15 kilometers) off the country’s central Pacific Coast.

Firefighters Corps director Hector Chavez said initial reports of an explosion and fire were mistaken. Survivors reported that strong waves filled the boat with water and caused it to sink, he said. He also lowered the death toll to three, saying that one of the dead had been counted twice.

The country’s Public Security Ministry said in a Twitter posting that one of the victims was a U.S. citizen and another was from Britain.

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Private boats in the area took in passengers until rescuers arrived.

The tour operator reported that the Pura Vida Princess, a 100-foot catamaran, left Marina Los Suenos in the morning with 98 passengers and a crew of 10.

Rescuers had recovered 94 people from the shipwreck and taken them to two emergency centers on land. Authorities were awaiting the arrival of one last rescue boat to make a complete accounting of those on board.

According to the Pura Vida Princess website, the Tortuga Island day trip costs $125 and includes meals, a DJ, snorkeling and open bar.

Costa Rica tourist catamaran capsizing leaves 3 dead

Vessel carrying foreign tourists sinks 15 km off coast, social sharing.

A Canadian is one of three people who died after a catamaran carrying dozens of foreign tourists on a pleasure cruise capsized off Costa Rica on Thursday, emergency officials said.

The boat, which was on a day trip to the popular Tortuga (Turtle) Island, sank completely about 15 kilometres off the country's central Pacific Coast.

Firefighters Corps director Hector Chavez said initial reports of an explosion and fire were mistaken. Survivors reported that strong waves filled the boat with water and caused it to sink, he said.

Chavez said three people died. The Public Security Ministry said in a Twitter posting that the victims were a U.S. citizen, the Canadian and a man from Britain.

Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a Canadian died in the incident but did not offer any details, citing privacy concerns. 

Vice-President Ana Helena Chacon said at a news conference that 106 people were rescued, meaning all of the cruise's 99 passengers and 10 crew were accounted for.

Costa Rica catamaran deaths: Brit among three tourists killed when boat capsizes in rough seas

The catamaran was ferrying 99 tourists to Tortuga Island when it was overturned by a combination of strong winds and powerful waves

catamaran deaths in costa rica

  • 07:49, 9 Jan 2015
  • Updated 08:33, 9 Jan 2015

A British man was among three tourists killed when a boat carrying more than 100 people capsized in rough seas off Costa Rica.

The other victims were two women, one from Canada and one from the United States.

The catamaran was ferrying tourists to Tortuga Island, off the country's Pacific Coast, when it was overturned by a combination of strong winds and powerful waves.

Survivors said they were handed lifejackets shortly before the boat sank.

One woman told local TV: "We were floating in the ocean.

"Many people were crying, screaming, asking for help."

The vessel, the Pura Vida Princess was carrying 99 tourists and 10 crew when it capsized about nine miles offshore.

The accident happened at around 9am local time (3pm UK time).

Todd Olson, a tourist from Kansas, USA, aid: "The captain started to turn the wheel to the left.

"There were pretty heavy seas and we started to take water on, apparently on the right side.

"Within a minute it was flipped - very fast, shocking."

The country's vice-president Ana Helena Chacon said 106 people had been rescued and praised the work of lifeguards, the security ministry and the Red Cross.

She added: "It's a sad day for our country, that receives so many tourists."

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are aware of an incident on a boat off the coast of Costa Rica involving British nationals.

"We are in close contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance."

Around 2.4 million foreign tourists - most from America - visited Costa Rica in 2013, according to the country's tourist board.

Tourists who survived a shipwreck off the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, are received by relatives in Herradura beach in Puntarenas

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COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

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The Tico Times

Amanda Hellman and her husband, Gus Lang, had been planning their honeymoon to Costa Rica for months, setting up a travel gift registry where friends and family could donate to the trip that was supposed to start off their married life together. One of the excursions funded for the Madison, Wisconsin couple was a whitewater rafting trip down the Sarapiquí River, 100 kilometers north of the Costa Rican capital.

Rains had raised the level of the river at the end of January, when the couple was getting ready for their excursion. In general, the more water flowing through a river at a given time, the more dangerous it can be to raft. Some outfitters had canceled one or more trips that week down the Sarapiquí, which includes Class III rapids, citing risky conditions, according to interviews conducted by The Tico Times.

On Jan. 29, the newlyweds were on the river when three people, including Hellman, were thrown from the raft. Two were pulled to safety, but Hellman was caught in an undercurrent and drowned . When the Red Cross arrived, they were unable to revive the 35-year-old.

Hellman was one of six tourists who died in Costa Rica during the month of January, according to police reports. Three tourists, one each from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, died on Jan. 9 when the Pura Vida Princess catamaran capsized off the central Pacific coast , with more than 100 people on board. On Jan. 26, a 70-year-old woman and a 2-year-old girl from Canada drowned at Playa Hermosa , in the northwestern province of Guanacaste.

(Courtesy Susan Shonk)

Self-regulating

Despite Costa Rica’s international reputation as an adventure tourism destination for the last 25 years, the industry remains lightly regulated, and safety requirements are largely at the discretion of individual businesses, according to interviews The Tico Times conducted with business owners and industry and government representatives.

Debates about adventure tourism safety have been going on for years. A non-lethal rafting accident in 2006 prompted renewed calls from the industry to better regulate safety on Costa Rica’s rivers, as The Tico Times previously reported . There has been little action since then, but that might soon change.

Costa Rica’s image as a destination for wild nature and adventure chafes against the need to protect travelers – foreign and domestic alike – from the dangers inherent in many popular activities, from zip lining, to swimming in the ocean without lifeguards, to whitewater rafting.

“These are accidents that involved adventure tourism where there is an implicit level of risk,” Alfredo López, manager at the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), told The Tico Times in a telephone interview. “These are things that unfortunately happen,” he said.

López said the deaths in January do not appear to be hampering reservations, but he stressed that “it is always a concern, regardless of the number [of accidents].”

Whitewater rafting is among the more dangerous activities in which tourists can participate here but accidents are rare. Rapids are categorized by difficulty, obstacles and water volume into six categories, from floating down the river in a Class I to a dangerous vertical drop in a Class VI rapid, said Johana Argüello, a guide with 15 years experience on the Sarapiquí River and president of the Adventure Outfitters Association, an organization that represents 60 tourist operators across Costa Rica. Class III rapids, the kind that Hellman passed though when she fell overboard, is considered “intermediate” difficulty and still acceptable for first-time rafters, Argüello said. The guide said that any rapids over a Class IV requires participants to be in good physical conditions and with previous rafting experience.

Argüello said the Sarapiquí has become mercurial in recent years and conditions can change suddenly. She said they had noted an “important” change in the river’s conditions the week that Hellman drowned. Her company, Aventuras de Sarapiquí, cancelled one rafting trip that week, citing the age of the passengers and their own concerns about the river’s safety.

La Fortuna-based Wave Expeditions, which operated Hellman’s tour, would not comment on the accident, citing an ongoing investigation, according to an email addressed to The Tico Times.

There are no official rules governing what water level is acceptable for a safe trip, Argüello said. “There is no established policy at this time. … It’s something that is at the discretion of the company, be it the manager or the head guide,” she said.

Both Argüello and Michael Kaye, founder of Costa Rica Expeditions and a guide with more than 30 years experience in the adventure tourism industry, mentioned mutually agreed upon high-water marks that would plumb a dangerous depth for the river as a possible solution to reduce risk on the rapids. Kaye, whose company operates tours on the Pacuare River, said that all the companies operating there have agreed not to attempt any runs if the water exceeds a high-water marker.

The Sarapiquí River has no such warning. Argüello said that a previous marker was washed away in high water in November 2014 and has not been replaced. The Sarapiquí guide added that the marker would have been downstream of where Hellman’s group put in.

Head guides or tour operators ultimately have the final say when it comes to the conditions on the river and the abilities of the people on board the raft. Kaye said that guides have an incentive not to take unnecessary chances in bad conditions.

“They’re on that boat too,” he said.

Besides mutually agreed upon high-water markers, Kaye suggested that guides should have to renew their Red Cross cardiac and CPR certifications more frequently.

The lack of safety regulations in force for maritime tourist activities came under fire after the Pura Vida Princess day cruise sank, drowning three tourists and attracting international attention. Authorities have pointed to high winds and rough seas in the Gulf of Nicoya as the likely cause. The Tico Times previously reported that the president’s office would seek legislation requiring the obligatory use of life jackets on all tourist vessels after floatation devices were distributed only after the Pura Vida Princess was in immediate danger of sinking.

In 1997, another catamaran, the Pacific Princess, sank in the Gulf of Nicoya and two passengers drowned . More than 18 years later, promised safety regulations, including no-go weather conditions, had yet to be approved when the Pura Vida Princess went down.

Luis Fernando Coronado, director of the Public Works and Transport Ministry’s (MOPT) Maritime-Port Administration, previously told The Tico Times that since the 1997 accident there have not been any updates to rules governing MOPT’s ability to punish private and passenger ships for violating maritime safety and administrative requirements or heeding Coast Guard recommendations.

The Aquatic Navigation bill, which would give the Port Authority the powers to enforce stricter safety requirements for tourist vessels, has been languishing in the Legislative Assembly for more than two years. Coronado said that if the Aquatic Navigation bill were law, the Pura Vida Princess would have been banned from leaving port if the Coast Guard determined that conditions were too dangerous, and he noted that the bill includes a specific article on meteorological conditions.

The Judicial Investigation Police are still investigating the shipwreck at this writing to determine if the Prosecutor’s Office will bring charges against the company or its crew. The U.S. Embassy in San José and Costa Rican authorities are in discussions regarding possible technical assistance for the investigation, according to statements requested by The Tico Times from the embassy and the Prosecutor’s Office.

Meg Yamamoto/The Tico Times

Riptides are a danger at many of Costa Rica’s idyllic beaches. More frequently traveled beaches, including Jacó and Isla Tortuga, have organized lifeguard watches, National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR) President Pablo Abarca told The Tico Times. While other beaches have warnings posted about riptides, these initiatives remain limited to local businesses or individual municipalities, Abarca said. Many of Costa Rica’s beaches offer no supervision or warnings about swimming conditions.

More oversight a bad thing?

The adventure tourism industry has been lightly regulated since its inception some 30 years ago, but the Health Ministry has been in talks with CANATUR and other tourism representatives to draft new, more rigorous safety requirements. The CANATUR president said that the standards under discussion were crafted with input from the industry. Abarca, who said that the new rules were already underway before the string of accidental deaths in January, said the regulations could be ready to present to the Legislative Assembly in the next few months.

But not everyone is happy about the possibility of additional oversight.

“If they regulated us like MOPT regulates driver’s licenses, we’d have 10 deaths a month,” Kaye said, adding that he was skeptical of governmental organizations with little knowledge of activities like rafting, for example, regulating the business.

Argüello argued that the rafting industry in particular has developed its own rigorous standards without government oversight, including those of the International Rafting Federation.

“We, the tour operators, have self-regulated and kept an eye on ourselves with very high standards, including some better than in places in the United States,” Argüello said.

The AOA president said she supports stronger regulations as a means to crack down on informal tour operators, alleging that these outfits were less safe than their institutional peers.

Wave Expeditions, however, is a formal business that received a Certificate of Excellence in 2014 from TripAdvisor.

The ICT representative said that accidents like these are a learning experience and drive the industry to do a better job reducing risk and improving safety to keep Costa Rica well positioned on an international scale.

Argüello told The Tico Times that it had been more than 10 years since someone died on the Sarapiquí River.

“Think about how many people go rafting every year in Costa Rica and how many accidents there are – very, very few,” Argüello said. “We don’t want this to be something that keeps people from experiencing our country.”

Of course, adrenaline aside, businesses need to minimize the risk that their passengers face, regardless if the activity is a catamaran day cruise or Class III rapids.

“Unfortunately, it can happen to any of us,” Argüello said.

The Tico Times

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Canadian among 3 dead after catamaran capsizes in Costa Rica

Catamaran capsizes

Costa Rican police and emergency workers await the arrival of tourists who were rescued after a catamaran sank off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the port of Caldera, Costa Rica, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. The catamaran carrying foreign tourists was on a pleasure cruise when it capsized, emergency officials said. (AP / Enrique Martinez)

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- A Canadian is one three people who died after a catamaran carrying dozens of foreign tourists on a pleasure cruise capsized off Costa Rica on Thursday, emergency officials said.

The boat, which was on a day trip to the popular Tortuga (Turtle) Island, sank completely about 15 kilometres off the country's central Pacific Coast.

Firefighters Corps director Hector Chavez said initial reports of an explosion and fire were mistaken. Survivors reported that strong waves filled the boat with water and caused it to sink, he said.

Chavez said three people died. The Public Security Ministry said in a Twitter posting that the victims were a U.S. citizen, the Canadian and a man from Britain.

There were no further details on the Canadian. Canada's foreign affairs department confirmed a Canadian had died but could not provide further information citing privacy concerns.

"Canadian consular officials in Costa Rica are in contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance to the family during this difficult time," the department said in an email.

It was not immediately known if any other Canadians were on board the catamaran.

Vice-President Ana Helena Chacon said at a news conference that 106 people were rescued, meaning all of the cruise's 99 passengers and 10 crew were accounted for.

"We want to extend our condolences to the victims' families," Chacon said.

The National Meteorological Institute had issued a warning about strong winds buffeting the country this week, but authorities said the boat was properly permitted and authorized by the port captain to set sail.

Private boats in the area took in passengers until rescuers arrived. They were later transported to two emergency centres on shore.

The tour operator reported that the Pura Vida Princess, a 100-foot catamaran, left Marina Los Suenos on Thursday morning.

According to the Pura Vida Princess website, the Tortuga Island day trip costs $125 and includes meals, a DJ, snorkeling and open bar.

With files from The Canadian Press

Catamaran sinking off Costa Rica coast

Tourists who were rescued after a catamaran sank off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica are escorted from a Coast Guard station into a bus, in the port of Caldera, Costa Rica, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. (AP / Enrique Martinez)

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Police suspect U.S. couple are dead after their boat was hijacked in the Caribbean

The Associated Press

catamaran deaths in costa rica

The yacht "Simplicity", that officials say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people aboard, is docked at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, on Friday. Kenton X. Chance/AP hide caption

The yacht "Simplicity", that officials say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people aboard, is docked at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, on Friday.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A U.S. couple whose catamaran was hijacked last week in the Caribbean by three escaped prisoners were presumed dead and likely had been thrown into the ocean, police said Monday.

The accounts by police in Grenada and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were a blow to those who were independently helping search for Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel and had hoped they were alive.

Don McKenzie, commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, said at a news conference that the three prisoners escaped on Feb. 18 from the South Saint George Police Station. They hijacked the catamaran Simplicity on the following day and then headed to St. Vincent, where they were arrested last Wednesday, he said.

"Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St. Vincent, they disposed of the occupants," McKenzie said.

McKenzie said he had no conclusive proof that the couple was dead but cited a "low probability" they were alive.

Jamaica and the Bahamas are pushing back against U.S. travel warnings

Jamaica and the Bahamas are pushing back against U.S. travel warnings

Hours later, the main spokesman for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force posted a video saying that while no bodies have been found, the couple is presumed dead based on the investigation so far.

Police report signs of violence aboard the abandoned boat

The suspects were being investigated for several criminal acts, including "bodily harm to the couple," spokesman Junior Simmons said in the brief recorded statement. There were signs of violence on the couple's boat found abandoned in St. Vincent, he said.

"Several items were strewn on the deck and in the cabin, and a red substance that resembles blood was seen on board," he said.

The nonprofit Salty Dawg Sailing Association has said that Hendry and Brandel were "veteran cruisers" and longtime members of the association, calling them "warm-hearted and capable."

It said the couple had sailed the yacht in last year's Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua, and were spending the winter cruising in the eastern Caribbean.

A son of Hendry and a son of Brandel did not immediately return messages for comment.

A GoFundMe page created to raise money for the couple's family noted that Brandel had recently become a first-time grandmother, and that the sailing community was "shattered" by what happened.

"Kathy and Ralph, experienced adventurers, spent their retirement sailing aboard Simplicity, spending summers in New England and embracing the warmth of Caribbean winters," the page stated.

A massive search for 3 missing American sailors off Mexico coast has been called off

A massive search for 3 missing American sailors off Mexico coast has been called off

McKenzie, Grenada's police commissioner, said a five-person team was sent to St. Vincent to help with the investigation.

After his brief announcement on Monday, McKenzie and other police officials took questions from local media, including one reporter who asked, "Who is really to be blamed for this massive failure to keep these prisoners under the control of the (Royal Grenada Police Force) which has now resulted in this tragedy?"

The prisoners' escape is being investigated

McKenzie said police have launched an investigation into the escape and are looking into whether it was "a system failure" or a case of a "slip up."

"All aspects of that investigation are on the table," he said, adding that the police holding station where the three men were being held has "sufficient safety to prevent an incident like that (from) occurring."

When the reporter asked why the three men who were arrested remained in a holding cell instead of prison, Vannie Curwen, assistant police commissioner, said the men first had to see a magistrate who would decide whether to grant bail or order them remanded.

The escaped prisoners, Trevon Robertson, a 19-year-old unemployed man; Abita Stanislaus, a 25-year-old farmer; and Ron Mitchell, a 30-year-old sailor; were charged a couple of months ago with one count of robbery with violence. Mitchell also was charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm, police in Grenada said.

Simmons said the three men appeared in court in St. Vincent on Monday and pleaded guilty to four counts each of immigration-related charges, including entering the island as a "prohibited immigrant" with no passport. They are scheduled to be sentenced on those charges in March.

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At least 16 tourists died tragically while vacationing in Costa Rica in recent months

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“We came to live a dream and we are living a nightmare from which we are never going to wake up”, described Miguel Ángel Escribano, the husband of Arancha Gutiérrez López – the Spanish woman murdered in Tortuguero last weekend – what his family is living after their dream holiday in Costa Rica ended in tragedy.

The case of Gutiérrez and Maria Trinidad Matus Tenorio, the 25-year-old Mexican woman killed on Sunday morning at Carmen Beach, in Santa Teresa de Cóbano, join other tragedies suffered by foreign tourists in the country since March 2017.

According to a count made by La Nación, 16 foreigners have died tragically , while enjoying their vacations on Costa Rican soil.

The last two cases occurred last weekend and provoked a series of government actions, given the concern about the impact that the events in the sector could have. Among these measures is the announcement made by the President Carlos Alvarado, to transfer US$1 million a year for the safety of visitors.

According to figures from the Tourism Board, the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), 2.9 million tourists entered the country in 2017, but the country’s goal is to reach 3.9 arrivals by 2021.

Canadian photographer murdered

Bruce McCallum died in March 2017 in Puerto Viejo, Limón, after being stabbed with the intention of stealing his camera.

McCallum, a Canadian, was in Costa Rica enjoying, along with other tourists, a sabbatical year that would take him to different parts of the world. He was a photographer and a professor of mathematics in Toronto.

On the day of the murder, the 51-year-old man was about to capture images of the sunrise in Puerto Viejo.

Plane tragedy

One of the most tragic cases was the crash of the Nature Air plane of December 31, 2017, in Nandayure, Guanacaste.

In the crash, 10 American tourists and two Ticos pilots died. The aircraft left the Juan Santamaría airport for Punta Islita to pick up the tourists on a charter flight. However, due to the winds, pilot Juan Manuel Retana decided to land in Tambor, waiting for the gusts to subside.

Once informed of an improvement in conditions, he resumed the flight plan to Islita. There he picked up the passengers and took off at 12:10 p.m.

A few minutes later the demise aircraft and its passengers and crew was reported.

catamaran deaths in costa rica

Child dies in waterfall

In April, an eight-year-old Swiss boy died after disappearing in the Ecological Reserve La Catarata Río Fortuna, in San Carlos. The boy was on vacation with his parents and a brother.

The parents told the authorities that the child took off his shirt and then they did not see him anymore, so they reported his disappearance. The boy was found drowned hours later with a strong blow to the head. Death in cabin

In December of 2017, an elderly Swiss couple died when a tree fell on the cabin were they slept, in Puerto Viejo, Talamanca.

The foreigners were staying at a hotel on Chiquita Beach and the tragedy was caused by the strong winds that were sweeping much of the country at that time.

The deceased were Marie Louise Balmere and Rodolf Balmere, 70 years old. It was their first visit to the country.

Arancha Gutiérrez and María Trinidad Mathus

Arancha Gutiérrez and María Trinidad Mathus were murdered less than 24 hours apart, the first in Tortuguero (Limon) and the second in Santa Teresa de Cóbano (Puntarenas). The two women, Gutiérrez of Spanish nationality and Matus, Mexican, were on vacation in the country and died while enjoying the Costa Rican beaches.

Gutiérrez’s body was found on Saturday shortly after 8 a. m. in Tortuguero. The remains of the 30-year-old Spaniard lay on the beach in a 200-meter sandy strip that borders the Caribbean Sea on one side and the freshwater channels on the other.

A 33-year-old Nicaraguan man whom Gutiérrez met a day earlier, is the main suspect in the sexually motivated murder.

Despite the first suspicions, the man was released, without precautionary measures, but handed over to immigration police for being illegal in the country. “The detention is extended for 30 days as he is in the process of being deported, while the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) continues with the corresponding investigations since he is suspected of the murder of the Spanish tourist”, reported Migración in a press release.

The murder of the María Trinidad Mathus occurred on Sunday at 3 a. m. when she was with an English woman friend in Playa Carmen, in Santa Teresa de Cóbano, Puntarenas. The women were intercepted by two assailants and the 25-year- old Mathus was asphyxiated when one of the criminals submerged her in the sea.

According to the data collected, one of the subjects abused the Englishwoman by touching her private parts; she struggled with him, broke free and ran to ask for help.

The two men arrested, the first one surnamed Esquivel, who was captured, beaten and taken by residents to the local police station at 6:30 a. m. and the second surnamed Mendoza, apprehended in the center of Cóbano at 9:30 a. m.

Esquivel will spend three months of pretrial detention, while Mendoza was released, “due to the lack of sufficient evidence to prove his participation in the events,” the court said.

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catamaran deaths in costa rica

Wife of British tourist, 80, killed in Costa Rica catamaran accident breaks down as she recounts the last moments they shared together and reveals he may not have had chance to put on lifejacket 

  • Boat carrying more than 100 passengers sank off Punta Leona beach 
  • The county's public security ministry said cause of crash is not known
  • National  Meteorological  Institute says country has experienced high winds
  • Survivors described how they were left floating in the ocean in lifejackets
  • One said that the boat flipped after it began taking on water in heavy seas 
  • The victims have been named as Edna Oliver, 80 and Sharon Johnson, 70
  • The final victim has been named as 80-year-old Ivor Stanley Hopkins 
  • Mr Hopkins' wife Stella said her husband may not have had a life jacket 

By Gerard Couzens and Wills Robinson for MailOnline and Reuters Reporter

Published: 10:45 EST, 9 January 2015 | Updated: 14:25 EST, 9 January 2015

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The wife of a British man who died when the tourist catamaran he was on capsized off Costa Rica,said her husband may not have had time to put on a lifejacket as the ship went down. 

Argentine Stella Hopkins was on board the vessel with husband Ivor, 80, and 97 other holidaymakers and 10 crew when it went down on Thursday morning.

Two other victims have been named as U.S. citizen Edna Oliver, 68 and Canadian Sharon Johnson, 70.

Stella Hopkins, pictured, said her husband Ivor may not have had time to put in his life jacket

Stella Hopkins, pictured, said her husband Ivor may not have had time to put in his life jacket

Tragedy: Tourists who survived a shipwreck off the  coast of Costa Rica, are received by relatives in Herradura beach, Puntarenas. Three people including an elderly American and Canadian woman died

Tragedy: Tourists who survived a shipwreck off the coast of Costa Rica, are received by relatives in Herradura beach, Puntarenas. Three people including an elderly American and Canadian woman died

Distraught: A tourist who was on the cruise when the boat began to sink cries as she holds a cup

Distraught: A tourist who was on the cruise when the boat began to sink cries as she holds a cup

Tears streaming down her face as she recounted their last moments together, Mrs Hopkins said in her native Spanish: 'My husband was Ivor Hopkins who died in the accident.

'The sea was very rough and I said to my husband, "All the times we've been travelling, we've never been on a boat that's moved around so much".

'He said, "Me neither." Those were the last words we spoke to each other.

'After twenty minutes of the boat rocking, they gave us life jackets. I don't know if my husband managed to put one on. Five minutes later the sea rushed in and filled the boat.

'At that point everyone was trying to get out as best they could.'

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catamaran deaths in costa rica

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The catamaran, called Ecoquest, was on a day trip to the popular Tortuga Island when it sank about nine miles from Costa Rica's central Pacific coast.

Some of the survivors, who had paid $190 for a trip that included meals, a DJ, snorkelling and an open bar, spent around two hours in the water before being rescued.

The cause of the accident is still being probed although it has been blamed on strong winds which made sailing conditions difficult.

Authorities said the captain, 36-year-old Tenorio Gutierrez, had passed a breath test.

They also confirmed they were unable to recover the remains of the catamaran from the sea bed nearly 500ft down.

Firefighters' chief Hector Chaves said: 'To reach the vessel we'd need a submarine which we don't have at our disposal.' 

Safe: Passengers from the downed boat gather as they reach the shore. The vessel was carrying more than 100 people at the time 

Safe: Passengers from the downed boat gather as they reach the shore. The vessel was carrying more than 100 people at the time 

On land: A group of tourists walk from rescue boats before being moved by authorities to their hotels

On land: A group of tourists walk from rescue boats before being moved by authorities to their hotels

Costa Rican Vice President Ana Helena Chacon identified the dead as a 68-year-old woman from the United States, a Canadian woman aged 70 and an 80-year-old British man. 

Four passengers who had been missing were found and the other 106 people on the boat, survived and were in good health, Chacon added.

According to the public security ministry, 57 passengers were rescued and taken to the beach town of Herradura while 40 others went to the port town of Caldera. 

Survivors said they were handed lifejackets by staff shortly before the boat sank.

One told the BBC : 'We were floating in the ocean. Many people were crying, screaming, asking for help,' an unidentified woman told local television.

Todd Olson, a tourist from Kansas, told the station: 'The captain started to turn the wheel to the left. There were pretty heavy seas and we started to take water on, apparently on the right side.

'Within a minute it was flipped. Very fast, shocking.'

Some 2.4 million foreign tourists - most of them from the US - visited the country in 2013, according to Costa Rica's Tourism Board and it is deemed as one of the safest destinations for tourists in Latin America.

Concerned: Tourists stand in groups at the Coast Guard station in Caldera, Puntarenas

Concerned: Tourists stand in groups at the Coast Guard station in Caldera, Puntarenas

Transport: A man wearing his swimming trunks is led to the bus taking passengers back to their accommodation 

Transport: A man wearing his swimming trunks is led to the bus taking passengers back to their accommodation 

Reaction: One of the survivors speaks to the waiting media as she prepares to board a bus to her hotel 

Reaction: One of the survivors speaks to the waiting media as she prepares to board a bus to her hotel 

Guiding: A woman holds another survivor's hand as she steps onto the bus. Authorities are still unsure as to what caused the deadly accident 

Guiding: A woman holds another survivor's hand as she steps onto the bus. Authorities are still unsure as to what caused the deadly accident 

Emergency response: Costa Rican police and paramedics await the arrival of tourists who were rescued

Emergency response: Costa Rican police and paramedics await the arrival of tourists who were rescued

Support: A woman  carrying a water bottle is helped onto the waiting vehicle by police 

Support: A woman  carrying a water bottle is helped onto the waiting vehicle by police 

Devastated: One of the passenger puts her head in her heads as she waits to go back to hotel 

Devastated: One of the passenger puts her head in her heads as she waits to go back to hotel 

A British Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: 'We are aware of an incident on a boat off the coast of Costa Rica involving British nationals.

'We are in close contact with the local authorities and are providing consular assistance.'

Firefighters Corps director Hector Chavez said initial reports of an explosion and fire were mistaken.

Private boats in the area took in passengers until rescuers arrived.

Tour operator Pura Vida Princess reported the 100ft catamaran left Marina Los Suenos. They were going on a day trip to the popular Tortuga (Turtle) Island.

The public security ministry posted news of the deaths on Twitter.

Vice President Ana Helena Chacon said at a news conference: 'We want to extend our condolences to the victims' families,' Ms Chacon said. 

According to the Pura Vida Princess website, the Tortuga Island day trip costs 125 US dollars (£83) and includes meals, a DJ, snorkelling and open bar.

  • BBC News - Costa Rica boat accident kills three elderly tourists

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We work for all the beaches in the region, including the Papagayo area, including the Papagayo Peninsula and the Gulf of Papagayo. Hotels in Papagayo we work with include Four Seasons Papagayo, Andaz , Planet Hollywood, Secrets , Occidental , El Mangroove , Exclusive Resorts, Papagayo Luxury and several vacation rentals and luxury residences in the region.

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Guanacaste is an enchanting province situated in the northwest corner of Costa Rica. It is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters in the entire country. In Guanacaste, you will find a variety of stunning shorelines where you can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and even sailing. The balmy temperatures make for perfect days on the beach or out at sea.

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The waters in our province are especially suitable for sailing activities like catamaran charters and private trips to explore the Pacific Ocean. Catamarans provide a perfect balance between stability and speed, making them ideal for getting close to nature and discovering some of the most incredible sights along the region's coastline. Private sailing trips are also popular here, allowing visitors to explore secluded coves and hidden bays filled with fascinating wildlife. These excursions give travelers a unique opportunity to observe everything from dolphins playing nearby to schools of colorful fish swimming nearby.

Guanacaste ’s serene shorelines have something for everyone - families have plenty of space to spread out on the sand while there are also plenty of areas that offer more seclusion for romantic getaways or solo travelers looking for some time away from it all. Many beach towns feature excellent restaurants serving up local delicacies that can be enjoyed while admiring panoramic views out across the water. There are also plenty of fun activities available including hiking trails through lush rainforests and adventurous ziplining courses that provide stunning views from up high amongst the trees.

Not only does the province boast spectacular scenery but it is home to some truly remarkable marine life too - humpback whales regularly swim through its waters during their annual migration season whilst turtles nest off its shores during certain times throughout the year. Visitors can take boat tours directly from shoreline villages or hire a private vessel in order to get up close with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat - it’s an experience not easily forgotten!

For anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure Guanacaste is certainly worth considering - its breathtaking beauty makes it one of Costa Rica’s favourite tourist destinations and its crystal clear waters provide endless opportunities to explore its many secrets by sailboat or catamaran charter . Whether you’re looking for family fun on sun-drenched beaches or romantic escapes out on tranquil blue seas, this province has everything you need!

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Your vacation in Guanacaste Costa Rica will be an unforgettable experience, full of memories of beautiful beaches, volcanoes, national parks and dry tropical forests.

Adventure tours and ecotourism activities abound in the region, including sailing catamarans, sailboats, yacht and catamaran charters, scuba diving, snorkeling, canopy, surfing, horseback riding, sport fishing, exploring national parks, volcano and hot springs tours or ATV tours.

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Among the most popular national parks in the province are Rincon de la Vieja, Las Baulas National Marine Park, Palo Verde and its wetlands, the Guanacaste Conservation Area, Diria National Park and several private reserves.

There you will find an abundance of landscapes, climates and ecosystems like nowhere else in the country, as for example in the Guanacaste Conservation Area, where you will find the tropical dry forests, the montane forest, the cloud forest, as well as the tropical rainforest on the Caribbean side of the Orosi and Cacao volcanoes.

Sailing in Guanacaste

Guanacaste is a perfect sailing experience, since the geography and also the topography of the coastline of the province is very changing, raw, dramatic and natural.

Although the region  has been quite developed with hotels and resorts in some beaches and regions, there is still plenty of natural coastline along the coast, including secluded beaches, pristine coves and bays, remote islets and rocky pinnacles and endless  hills covered by tropical forests.

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Catamarans ,  sailboats and boats are available in our fleet, and all the charters are fully private, thereby enhancing the sailing experience.

Our rates adjust according to the number of people and the type of boat, but you can simply solicit a quote and we will send you photos of the catamarans, sailboats and boats.

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The province  offers a large number of hotels of different types, located mainly along the coastal area.

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Some of the most developed hotel zones are Papagayo, where you can find luxury hotels such as Four Seasons, Exlusive Resorts, Andaz  and El Mangroove.

However, there are also standard hotels and more modest hotels and lower price range, these are also distributed along the coast, mainly from Peninsula to Tamarindo, the area with more hotel development.

Samara and Nosara stand out for having less hotel development, which is liked by many who are looking  for less developed areas and therefore, with more abundance of natural landscapes and privacy.

Rental Homes

For those who prefer rental homes rather than hotels or resorts, there are also a variety of different types of homes along the coast of the province.

With online tools such as AirBnB or similar, you can easily book these homes online, which makes the process easier.

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Woman films moment tourist boat tips over killing three people

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Terrifying video footage shows the moment tourists  became trapped on the upper deck of a catamaran as it sank off the coast of Costa Rica, killing three people.

Carrying more than 100 passengers, the boat can be seen tipping over as water floods onto the upper deck.

A woman captured the entire incident on her GoPro as passengers clasped onto their tables before they were pulled underwater.

The incident took place in January last year and claimed the lives of three elderly people, including Briton Ivor Stanley Hopkins, 80, Edna Oliver, 68, and Sharon Johnson, 70.

MORE : Serial killer-obsessed schoolboy found guilty of murdering two strangers

grabs show moment a tourist catamaran capsizes and sinks of the coast of Costa Rica, leaving one British man dead.. for the record two other individuals died as well, Canadian woman and US woman

Alexis Esneault, who was 21 at the time, sat on the upper deck when she saw people ‘sliding down the boat and screaming’.

She told The Sun  she had to take off her life jacket to avoid becoming trapped under the plastic canopy.

At first I had no idea it was so serious. As long as we could have our Margaritas, I was fine. But then very quickly it became clear that there was a serious problem. People were sliding down the boat and screaming. It happened very quickly I could see the British man had drowned, but there was nothing we could do. Afterwards I couldn’t sleep for weeks – all I could see when I shut my eyes was water.

MORE : Chinese President gives himself even more control over military

grabs show moment a tourist catamaran capsizes and sinks of the coast of Costa Rica, leaving one British man dead.. for the record two other individuals died as well, Canadian woman and US woman

Dozens of tourists were left floating in the water for over an hour.

Private boats were able to take on the passengers until rescuers arrived to transport them to emergency centres.

The boat was permitted by the port captain to set sail, despite warnings of strong winds.

MORE : Primary school evacuated after WW2 bomb is found ‘behind M&S’ in Lewisham

grabs show moment a tourist catamaran capsizes and sinks of the coast of Costa Rica, leaving one British man dead.. for the record two other individuals died as well, Canadian woman and US woman

Tour operator Pura Vida Princess reported the 100ft catamaran set sail Marina Los Suenos.

Passenger had paid to go on a day trip to the popular Tortuga Island.

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" Do not hesitate to book this tour, especially on your first trip to Costa Rica. It’s so much fun and the guys of the crew are absolutely awesome, they made the experience 100x better for me. I got a little sea sick and they were so understanding and helpful, I was so very embarrassed lol. Thank you for your hospitality. After I felt better, we arrived to something I consider magical considering I don’t live very close to anything like that. The views were breathtaking, and the bar tender was on it! Sooo So much fun. The lunch they provided and snacks were A+++..." Nahely, Texas

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" We had absolutely amazing time! It was very easy to book the trip. They actually picked us up from our hotel. What a wonderful crew- everyone on a catamaran was so friendly and just did everything to male this trip unforgettable for us. The food was outstanding, the drinks as well. We were able to see the dolphins and then we were able to swim in a ocean, and use the slides -it was so much fun! The whole crew was very attentive, they also were following all the safety precautions. We took our 4 and 8 years old kids. So it's definitely kids friendly, they had a ..." Masha T, Toronto

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" This felt like a luxury! Everything was very clean, and the staff very friendly. We never had an empty drink, the lunch and other food they provided was very delicious. The view was breathtaking. We went snorkeling, got to jump off the top of the boat, and even went down the slides. We had so much fun!! We also met some of the nicest people. To top it off, the photographer got really good pictures of us and only charged us $15 which we found very affordable..." Llewellyn, Washington

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" This was not my first time on the boat. It was probably my 15th time. This was a special event. I chartered a private cruise for 40 of my closest family and friends in town for my wedding. This was the BEST DAY ON THE Water I have ever had!! The staff was absolutely incredible. They were so attentive and made the day extra special. It was incredibly windy that day. We were nervous about being on the water. But this boat is so big that we did not even feel the the waves. And they hit 6 feet!! Smaller boats would not be able to do this The snorkeling, lunch and sail..." Amanda F, Alaska

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" We were picked up from the beach at coco on time and by an experienced, welcoming crew on time. Sailed up north to a beautiful beach that has snorkeling, lounging and a cave that has wave action through from the other side of the land spit. Just a magical place. The crew was very clear about what our itinerary would be and what to expect. Lunch after beach as we sailed south was prepared on board. Nothing real fancy but was very tasty and all on board cleaned their plates with many (11 guests, 4 crew) going back for seconds. Then we sailed south to RIU where we were..." Joe Camel, California

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2024 concacaf w gold cup group stage: uswnt defeated, costa rica progress by lottery.

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Mexico staged a great upset as they defeated the USWNT on their turf. (Photo by Ronald ... [+] Martinez/Getty Images)

The inaugural edition of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup has not disappointed so far after a week of group stage action.

Group A: Mexico Shock The USWNT

The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) were drawn in Group A as the hosts, where they were joined by old rivals Mexico . Their resulting match produced what was undoubtedly the biggest upset of the group stage .

El Tri Femenil thoroughly deserved the result as they adopted a bold possession-based approach and tactically outwitted their opponents, winning top spot in the group in their first major tournament under Pedro López. Prior to that, they kicked things off with a goalless draw against Argentina before thrashing the Dominican Republic 8-0.

The USWNT won both of their first two matches under interim head coach Twila Kilgore, who did well to mix things up tactically and enable youngsters like Olivia Moultrie and Jenna Nighswonger to get a run-out. It was a full-strength side that took on Mexico, though, so they must now focus on bouncing back in the knockouts.

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Argentina have managed to progress as the best third-placed team, but their group stage showing was rather disappointing. They opened with a draw against Mexico where they were clearly second best and had to hang for the point in the end, but it proved valuable in conjunction with their win over the Dominican Republic. However, a heavy defeat to the USWNT between those games showed how far the Albiceleste are from the favorites.

The Dominican Republic made their major tournament debut at this Gold Cup with a memorable qualification playoff win over Guyana, but they found themselves outclassed in a tough group. Three defeats, no goals scored and 16 conceded must be a tough reality check for the Quisqueyanas.

Group B: South American Sides Shine

Two of the best South American sides were drawn together in Group B, in which they occupied the top two spots.

In their first tournament under new head coach Arthur Elias , Brazil looked strong in his favored back-three system. They did not show great attacking play until the final group game against Panama, but a spotless defensive record of three clean sheets bodes really well for them going into the knockouts.

Arthur Elias' impact can already be seen in the Brazilian team's performances. (Photo by MAURO ... [+] PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Colombia only narrowly lost to the Seleção in a very closely contested 1-0 game, and they looked quite impressive in their two other matches. Angelo Marsiglia’s side were totally in control against Panama and Puerto Rico, dominating possession and creating a healthy amount of chances even in the absence of star striker Mayra Ramírez .

Among the teams that got through the qualification playoffs, Puerto Rico looked by far the most impressive. Having eliminated World Cup participants Haiti to reach this tournament, they more than held their own against the strong South American opposition. Still, the Boricuas lost both of those games, but staged a memorable turnaround between them to defeat Panama.

Speaking of them, Panama were perhaps the most underwhelming team at this tournament. Having gotten as far as the inter-confederation playoffs for the World Cup, they might have hoped to give a decent account of themselves in a CONCACAF tournament, but they ended up exiting without a point to their name. They were thumped by both Brazil and Colombia, but the manner of the defeat against Puerto Rico was perhaps the most disappointing.

Group C: Canada Respond, Costa Rica Win Lottery

After a shock group stage exit at the World Cup , all eyes were on Canada to see how they would bounce back at the Gold Cup having offered head coach Bev Priestman a new contract. The Englishwoman delivered, deploying a new back three system that enabled the Canucks to comfortably control their matches while posing a significant attacking threat. They won all three games with a combined score of 13-0. Aston Villa forward Adriana Leon shone brightest with 5 goals and 2 assists, while youngsters such as Olivia Smith and Simi Awujo looked good too.

Paraguay were totally outmatched by the group winners, but they did well to edge past both of the other competitors. A very narrow 1-0 win over Costa Rica marked a positive start to the group, and it ended in dramatic fashion in a 3-2 triumph over El Salvador which involved a turnaround in the last five minutes.

El Salvador were the other team making their major tournament debut, so they should leave with their heads held high. As was to be expected, they were on the receiving end of a thrashing from Canada, but they gave a pretty good account of themselves against both Costa Rica and especially Paraguay.

As far as the fan-favorite spirit of CONCACAF drama goes, though, no team fared better than Costa Rica . They scored twice in a win over El Salvador but lost their other two matches 1-0 and 3-0 respectively, meaning they not only ended the group level on points with Group B’s third-placed team Puerto Rico, but they also had the same goal difference and goals scored tally. Even the final tiebreaker of disciplinary points (essentially yellow and red cards) could not separate the two teams, so a draw of lots was required to decide the last quarterfinalist!

Looking Ahead: Quarterfinals

The knockout bracket is now set, and it promises to be a tasty one:

The most interesting quarterfinal of the lot has to be the one featuring the hosts, as the USWNT’s second-place finish in Group A means they will come up against tough opposition in the shape of Colombia. That match promises to be a cracker.

Elsewhere, there are clear favorites in all three other quarterfinals. Having beaten them comfortably in their last group game, Canada should be expected to east past Costa Rica. Argentina do not look likely to test Brazil’s sturdy defense, and Mexico should have enough quality to overpower Paraguay.

These ties will be played on March 2 and March 3, with the final scheduled for the following weekend.

Neel Shelat

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