Teenager dies, 19-year-old missing after kayak capsizes in Ancash lagoon

A recreational outing turned tragic in the Huachucocha lagoon, located in the San Luis district of Ancash, Peru, when a small kayak carrying three young individuals capsized. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation, according to the Regional Emergency Operations Center (COER).

The accident resulted in the death of a 16-year-old girl, identified by the initials M.M.S.R. Her body was recovered hours later through the combined efforts of the National Police of Peru, health personnel, local authorities, and residents. Meanwhile, 19-year-old David Manuel Julca Vega remains missing after falling into the lagoon's waters. A third occupant of the kayak survived the ordeal.

Search and rescue operations are continuing in difficult conditions due to the location's altitude, over 4,200 meters above sea level. Family members and neighbors have joined the search efforts. The father of the missing young man has appealed for assistance to sustain the rescue operations and recover his son's body. The Huachucocha lagoon is known as a significant natural attraction in the province, offering high-Andean landscapes and attracting nature tourism and recreational activities.

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We ask for support to continue the rescue efforts and to recover my son's body.