A tragic incident occurred on the Rio Grande involving a boating accident that claimed the lives of six individuals, including a three-year-old child. The accident happened between the towns of Rifaina in São Paulo and Sacramento in Minas Gerais on the night of Saturday, the 21st. The victims were part of a larger group of 15 who had just left a floating bar and were heading to a ranch when their boat crashed into a submerged pier, which was reportedly not illuminated, causing the accident. While nine passengers survived, the situation remains dire for the deceased and their families.

Rescue operations were promptly initiated, involving local residents, divers, and the Municipal Guard of Rifaina, confirming that six individuals died immediately from the incident. The local Fire Department from Sacramento and Uberaba were also called to the scene to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. Investigators are currently assessing whether the victims drowned or succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash, as some were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, which adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.

This tragic event highlights the ongoing safety concerns regarding recreational boating activities in Brazil, particularly in areas where night navigation can be hazardous due to inadequate lighting on structures like piers. Community leaders and local authorities are likely to face increased scrutiny regarding safety regulations and the implementation of better lighting and safety measures in popular boating areas to prevent such catastrophic accidents in the future.