SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA — A tourist boat capsized in the waters off Santa Marta on Saturday, September 26, throwing all 20 passengers aboard into the Caribbean Sea during a routine crossing between Playa Blanca and El Rodadero.

No injuries or deaths were reported, according to Colombia’s maritime authority, Dimar, which credited life jackets with keeping everyone afloat until nearby vessels could respond.

The vessel, operated by the tour company Katamar, departed from the Rodadero Norte pier when heavy rain and strong waves struck the area, according to Noticias RCN.

Captain Julio Monroy, commander of Santa Marta’s port authority, said the boat “was hit by maritime factors and lost stability,” pointing to adverse sea conditions as the primary cause.

Video of the capsizing quickly circulated on social media, showing passengers scrambling into the water as the boat rolled.

A Fast Rescue & Lucky Outcome

Boats operating nearby in the sector immediately redirected toward the scene to pull passengers from the water, ferrying them safely to the Rodadero area.

Dimar confirmed zero injuries and zero deaths, though several passengers lost personal belongings, including phones and wallets, in the water.

Overcrowding Under Investigation

Dimar said the vessel was operating at its full authorized passenger capacity at the time of the incident, but the agency is now investigating whether it exceeded permitted limits, after the widely shared video fueled speculation online that the boat may have been overloaded.

The maritime authority said it had previously warned tour operators about weather-related operating restrictions, anticipating conditions like Saturday’s rough seas.

Dimar’s review is expected to examine weather conditions, vessel operations, passenger capacity, and safety protocols before determining a cause.