Three tourists from the United States, including a little boy, were mortally caught in a flash river flood near Hacienda Guachipelín, one of the most luxurious and exclusive country resorts of Costa Rica.

According to a news report recently filed by Manuel Estrada of daily tabloid Diario Extra, four relatives were enjoying a pristine swimming spot at the river located right at the entrance of the Rincón de la Vieja (Old Woman’s Corner) National Park, one of the most visited in Guanacaste. Other tourists staying at the aforementioned resort were also in the water when torrential rain suddenly descended upon them.

As the swimmers made their way out of the river, a flash flood swept two adults and a little boy, all from the same family. According to a spokesperson from the Red Cross, the victims included a 67-year old woman, a 38-year old man, and a 6-year old child. Another adult from the same family survived by holding on to tree branches protruding from the rocky banks of the river.

The tourists who made it out of the river in time to avoid tragedy notified resort staff, who in turn called the Red Cross. Volunteer rescuers descended from the top of a waterfall spot to find the bodies of the two adults, who were thrashed along the prominent boulders that make small canyons in sections of the river. Rescuers found the first victim about 600 meters downriver, followed by the woman. The child had not been located as of Friday morning.

The Red Cross spokesperson commented that the two rivers that cross Hacienda Guachipelín are not navigable waters; they form rapids at several sections and thus are suitable for whitewater rafting. Although the spot where the tourists perished is adequate for safe swimming, it is important to remember that flash floods are not uncommon during Costa Rica’s green (rainy season).

The localized torrential rain that fell on the swimmers did not cause the flash flooding that killed the tourists. Flash floods can be the result of hours of rainfall experienced in other sections of the river located several kilometers away. Over the last 36 hours, Costa Rica has felt the weather effect of Hurricane Earl, which made landfall in Belize after downgrading to a tropical storm category.