Dutch tourist dies during Iguazu Falls boat ride in Brazil

A 26-year-old tourist from the Netherlands died on Tuesday, and two other Dutch nationals were hospitalized for minor injuries, following a boat ride on the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls after the vessel flipped over amid unusually high water levels caused by heavy rains. Mark Lensink, his girlfriend, and her family were enjoying a ride at the base of Iguazu Falls, right where the waterfalls crash down, when the incident occurred. The cause of the boat’s capsizing has not been determined, and local authorities are investigating.

Six Dutch tourists and two Brazilian crew members were aboard the boat during the accident, according to Brazil’s Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, which manages national parks. In a statement, the institute said it “deeply regrets” the death of the Dutch tourist, which occurred during the Macuco Safari tour Tuesday noon at Iguazu National Park in Paraná state. “The incident involved a family on a private tour,” the statement said.

“Rescue operations and assistance to the tourists were carried out immediately.” Brazilian media outlet O Globo reported that Lensink was traveling with his girlfriend and her parents, sister, and brother-in-law. They arrived in Foz do Iguaçu on Monday and planned to leave Thursday. According to local media, Lensink was pulled from the water suffering cardiorespiratory arrest and received aid at the park, but his death was confirmed upon arrival at a hospital.

Two of the people traveling with him were also hospitalized in Foz do Iguaçu, one reportedly with a broken foot. The Chico Mendes Institute confirmed all documentation for the tour company was up to date and found no irregularities. Following the incident, Macuco Safari suspended operations for three days starting Wednesday.

Some boat rides on the Argentine side were also suspended Wednesday. High water levels The Brazilian Navy will now investigate whether the accident resulted from technical or human errors, or environmental and weather conditions. They will also examine whether safety measures were properly followed.

The Iguazu River is experiencing historic flooding, prompting Argentine and Brazilian national parks to close some trails. Videos circulated online show water violently hitting and fully covering walkways. Así están las Cataratas del Iguazú… Tiempos extremos en todas las latitudes pic.twitter.com/GunOi11kf6— …