Manta, Ecuador—A passenger boat sank under the force of a sudden coastal storm early Thursday morning. The vessel went down roughly three miles off the shoreline. Two bodies have been recovered from the water while naval units continue to search for others.

The storm moved in rapidly, creating waves that proved too difficult for the small craft to navigate. Survivors reported that the engine failed shortly after the wind speed spiked. Water poured over the gunwales, filling the hull within minutes.

Local fishermen were the first to respond to distress signals sent via radio. They managed to pull several people from the churning water before the navy arrived. The rough conditions are making the ongoing recovery effort dangerous for the divers involved.

Port authorities have suspended all small vessel traffic until the weather stabilizes. A weather alert remains in effect for the entire coastal region. Meteorologists are monitoring the movement of the storm system as it tracks toward the north.

Families of the passengers are waiting at the port for information. A staging area has been set up for the survivors to receive medical care and dry clothing. Social workers are providing assistance to those currently in shock.

The vessel had the correct permits for maritime transit, according to the maritime regulatory office. Investigators are now checking the ship's maintenance logs and passenger manifests. The captain is currently being interviewed by maritime police at the local headquarters.

Rescue helicopters are sweeping the area from the air to scan for any signs of debris. The water remains turbulent, which complicates the search for those still missing. Teams are operating on an hourly rotation to avoid exhaustion.

The government has launched a formal probe into why the boat was allowed to depart under such warnings. Questions regarding safety protocols and life jacket availability remain unanswered. The official search will continue through the night despite the low visibility.