The pilot of the boat that sank in the Amazon, resulting in two deaths, has been released after paying bail and will face charges of involuntary manslaughter.
The pilot of the Lima de Abreu XV vessel, which sank at the Encontro das Águas and caused two deaths and seven disappearances, has been released after paying bail. He will be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a legal term used when intentional killing is not present. The sinking occurred during a trip from Manaus to the interior of the state on the afternoon of Friday, the 13th.
The boat, which was transporting passengers, lost stability and sank while heading from the Amazon capital towards Nova Olinda do Norte. Eyewitnesses nearby captured harrowing images of the disaster, showing men, women, and children struggling in the water while waiting for rescue assistance. The tragedy highlights the risks associated with passenger vessels in the region and raises concerns about maritime safety regulations.
Authorities detained the captain, identified as Pedro José da Silva Gomes, 42, shortly after the rescue operations concluded. He was found at the port alongside other survivors when he was approached by police. The incident has sparked discussions on the regulation of boat safety standards and the responsibility of operators in preventing such tragedies on Brazilian waterways.
