Cartagena, Colombia—A small passenger boat overturned in Cartagena Bay this afternoon, leaving three people dead. The incident occurred during a routine transport run as the vessel was navigating through choppy waters. Colombian Coast Guard units were deployed to the site shortly after the distress call was received at 2:00 p.m.

Emergency crews pulled multiple survivors from the water before shifting their focus to the recovery of those trapped beneath the hull. The weather had been calm earlier in the day, but sudden shifts in wind speed reportedly caused unstable conditions near the bay entrance.

Naval authorities have begun an inquiry into whether the boat was operating beyond its specified capacity. Preliminary reports indicate that the vessel lacked sufficient life vests for every individual on board. Officials are currently interviewing the operator to determine exactly how the vessel lost stability.

"Our priority was the immediate rescue of those in the water," a Coast Guard commander stated while coordinating the fleet’s return to port. Recovery efforts concluded as the sun began to set, with all unaccounted passengers confirmed to be retrieved.

The harbor remains restricted to local maritime traffic while the investigation proceeds. Wreckage from the vessel has been towed to a secure dock for technical inspection. Investigators will examine the hull for structural failures or mechanical issues that might have contributed to the capsizing.

Maritime safety advocates have long warned about the oversight of private operators within the bay. This incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of vessel licensing and passenger regulations. The city has seen a rise in tourist-related maritime accidents over the last few years.

Medical personnel are providing support to the survivors who were transported to nearby clinics. Most of the passengers were local residents returning from a weekend outing. The identities of the deceased will be released once next of kin have been notified by the authorities.

The harbor master has suspended all non-commercial boat traffic until a full safety audit is completed tomorrow morning. Further updates regarding the findings of the maritime inquiry are expected early next week.