Several killed as Colombia boat sinks

The sinking was captured on video from the shore

At least three people died when a passenger boat sank on a reservoir in north-western Colombia, police say.

 

Dozens of people are missing after the four-deck vessel went down on the Penol reservoir near the tourist town of Guatapé, 45km (28 miles) east of the city of Medellín on Sunday.

About 150 people are reported to have been on board.

A rescue operation is under way. Leisure boats quickly came to the assistance of victims.

An air force helicopter has been sent to the area.

"The situation looks serious," a local government official told AFP news agency.

More than 20 people were taken to a hospital in Guatapé.

There are no details yet on why the boat sank.