Asunción, Paraguay—Three people are dead after a small passenger boat sank in the Paraguay River early Thursday. The vessel reportedly encountered severe turbulence that overwhelmed the hull. Maritime police confirmed the recovery of three bodies while the search for missing individuals continues.

The boat was navigating a narrow section of the river when it suddenly listed to one side and took on water. Passengers were thrown into the current before they could deploy life vests. Surviving witnesses stated that the weather conditions shifted rapidly before the incident occurred.

Nearby barges and local fishing vessels rushed to the area to assist in the rescue operation. They pulled several people from the river before the navy patrol arrived to take command of the scene. The river current remains fast and carries high levels of debris from upstream.

Naval authorities have suspended all commercial navigation in the affected river sector. A search grid has been established to sweep the banks for any signs of survivors. Helicopter support is assisting the water teams by scanning the wider channel from the air.

The cause of the sinking is currently under investigation. Officials are looking into potential overloading of the vessel and whether the captain adhered to maritime safety protocols. Statements are being taken from all survivors currently being treated at the riverside medical station.

Families of the passengers have gathered at the port to wait for updates from the rescue coordinators. Social services are providing support to those awaiting news of missing relatives. The government has ordered a full inquiry into the safety of private transit along the river.

The river conditions are expected to remain difficult for the next forty-eight hours. Divers are being utilized to inspect the submerged wreckage to ensure no other victims remain trapped. This is the second maritime incident recorded on this section of the river this year.

Official status updates will be provided as the recovery effort progresses. The focus of the mission is currently shifting from rescue to recovery as the window for survivors closes. Information regarding the identities of the deceased will be shared following formal family identification.