A total of 16 Israelis were injured when a boat capsized in southern Chile. Two women, ages 61 and 71 were killed according to information quoting the Israel Foreign Ministry situations room. Four other Israelis are listed in serious condition and the remainder with non-life-threatening injuries.

The group traveled with Massaot (“מסעות”) Tours to South America, a trip which ended in tragedy.

Israel’s ambassador to Chile, Eldad Hayat, and the Department for Israelis Abroad in the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department are accompanying the harsh incident and are in contact with the injured and with the relevant authorities in Chile. Israeli Consul General to Chile, Leon Sussia, visited the injured in the hospitals on Sunday.

In addition, the department staff is in continuous contact with the organizers of the trip in Israel and with the consul in the field and will continue to handle the case, as required.

Acting Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz has notified his people that in the event any of the injured have to be flown to Israel for medical care, arrangements will be made.

Magen David Adom representatives spoke with the Israeli Embassy in Chile and offered all necessary assistance and are in contact with representatives of the Red Cross in Chile. MDA, as the Israel Red Cross is in good working relations with them.

At the same time, with the assistance of PassportCard, an MDA paramedic staying in South America was sent to the hospital where the injured Israelis are staying and will arrive in the next few hours.

MDA is operating in full coordination and in cooperation with PassportCard, which insures 12 of the injured travelers.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)