The ferryman who was driving the ferry that sank during the crossing between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul has been identified as Flavio Tobaldini, 47. The accident occurred last Wednesday (18).

Balseiro disappeared shortly after the accident – ​​Photo: Reproduction/Internet

At the time of the accident, in addition to Flavio, there were a flight attendant and a truck driver on board the ship, which was passing through the crossing. The helper and the truck driver managed to swim across and escape, but Flavio, who was driving the vessel, disappeared.

Fire department search teams carried out patrols along the river this Friday (20) in search of the man. Brazilian Navy ships, divers and rescuers from other regions are also helping in the rescue operation.

Accident

The accident occurred around 7 a.m. while the ferry was transporting a truckload of bricks from Alto Bela Vista/SC to Marcelino Ramos/RS. The structure capsized shortly after leaving the shores of Santa Catarina and was dragged about three kilometers by the force of the water, according to South Carolina Civil Defense.

The truck driver and ferryman’s assistant remained on the roof of the ferry until they were rescued by local residents who approached the ship in a boat in the community of Vicentes.