The number of victims of the rafting accident at the Naranjo River in Quepos, Costa Rica went from four to five as the body of the fifth victim, one of the tour guides, was found by the rescue team past 9 p.m. this Saturday evening.

According to authorities the fifth victim was one of the tour guides, while the other four victims whose bodies were recovered earlier, were all foreign tourists that were enjoying their vacation in Costa Rica.

Another 13 people were rescued alive and in good conditions, 10 of them tourists and 3 guides.

Apparently, the group of tourists originated from Florida, USA and is in the country celebrating the bachelor party of one of the survivors, they had been staying in Jaco and decided to take the rafting tour at the Naranjo River as part of their activities, however in an unfortunate accident when three of the rafts capsized.

President Carlos Alvarado released the following statement: “In the name of Costa Rica and the Costa Rican people, I express my deepest dismay for the water accident that occurred the afternoon of this Saturday, October 20 in the Naranjo River in Quepos (…) I have instructed the corresponding authorities to offer all the necessary support to the victims’ families”.

The Costa Rican Tourism Board will coordinate along with other government entities aspects such as lodging, transportation and communication with embassies, among others.

The Minister of Tourism, Maria Amalia Revelo, also called on tour operators to respect the recommendations of the National Emergency Commission. At this time, tropical wave #43 is transiting over the country and this increases the rivers flow.