The search for the third missing fisherman following the sinking of the boat Catalina II continues along the coastal area of Coquimbo. The accident resulted in three crew members losing their lives at sea, two of whom have already been found. Today marked the fifth day of the search, supported by the Chilean Navy, firefighters from Guanaqueros, the specialized COSAR group, and a municipal vessel.
Additionally, an aeronautical exploration aircraft conducted a sweep of the area between Punta Lagunillas and Punta Guanaqueros. Meanwhile, diving teams carried out operations in the area where a backpack belonging to the missing fisherman was found on Thursday. The port captain of Tongoy, Lieutenant Gianluca Maggio, also reported that during the early morning, a notice was received regarding a possible discovery in Guanaqueros, which was ultimately ruled out.
“At 3:30 a. m. , a call was received about a possible sighting of a bundle on Playa Larga in Guanaqueros.
Personnel from the Port Captaincy went to the location and verified that there were no associated indications, ruling out the presence of a body,” he stated. Maritime authorities indicated that operations will continue over the coming days, and if no results are obtained, the closure of the operation will be evaluated on Monday. Meanwhile, organizations from the Coquimbo cove have been providing support to the families.
Muriel Amigo, coordinator of the national corporation and part of the administration of the facility, stated that efforts are being made for the repatriation of the fishermen. “I want to see the possibility of making a call to the Chilean and Peruvian people for the transfer of the bodies to their lands of origin, as the costs are quite high for the families,” she said.