Dutch tourist loses his life after boat capsizes at Iguazu Falls By Carolina Costa
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A family tourist trip ended tragically at the Brazilian border last Monday, July 29, 2026. Young Dutchman Mark Lensink, aged 26, died as a result of the sinking of a vessel belonging to the company Macuco Safari, which was operating in the turbulent waters of Iguaçu Falls, located in the Paraná city of Foz do Iguaçu.
Professional trajectory and origin of the young European victimized in Paraná
The boy lived in the small town of Rijssen, located in the province of Overijssel, in the eastern region of the Netherlands, and enjoyed a period of vacation in Brazilian territory alongside his relatives. In his profiles on social networks focused on the job market, the foreigner highlighted his work in the construction industry, where he worked directly in his own family’s company, Lensink Bouwservice.
In addition to his practical experience in the construction sector, the tourist had an academic degree from the higher education institution Saxion Hogeschool, also based in his home country. The fatal episode immediately mobilized a large contingent of rescuers in the border region and, now, the developments in the case are under the investigative responsibility of the Civil Police of the State of Paraná, working together with the Brazilian Navy.
Dynamics of the wreck during the journey through the rapids of the Iguaçu River
The foreign group had booked an exclusive itinerary and was aboard a twin-engine inflatable boat belonging to the Macuco Safari dealership. The vessel was carrying five of the victim’s family members, as well as the pilot and co-pilot responsible for driving. The tourist route consists of climbing the riverbed and facing strong currents to get as close as possible to the waterfalls, this being one of the most traditional and popular tours in the South American destination.
Official data released by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) indicates that the boat capsized around midday, still within the preservation area of the Iguaçu National Park. Although the company has been operating in the region for decades with a very low history of serious accidents, the extreme force of the waters in that specific section caused all occupants to be thrown into the river, and they were immediately removed from the water by support teams.
The task force set up for the rescue had the rapid participation of employees from the tour operator itself, as well as military personnel from the Fire Department. The Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu), Brazilian Navy agents and ICMBio employees also provided essential support during the removal of victims from the difficult-to-access location.
The Fire Department’s preliminary report indicated that the young Dutchman suffered severe drowning, a condition that quickly evolved into a cardiorespiratory arrest. The first resuscitation procedures took place on the premises of the environmental reserve, before the patient was transferred by river to Port Kattamaram. From there, a medical vehicle took him in critical condition to the Padre Germano Lauck Municipal Hospital, but the medical team confirmed his death after exhausting all resuscitation maneuvers.
Health status of other relatives rescued after the incident in the water
The overturning of the inflatable boat not only resulted in the tragic loss of the 26-year-old, but also left injuries to other members of the European group. At least three relatives participating in the excursion required immediate medical intervention as soon as they reached the riverbank.
The medical bulletin detailed the situation of each patient treated after rescue:
- A 49-year-old man had to be admitted to the hospital, where he remained under clinical observation with his health considered stable.
- A 48-year-old woman suffered a broken foot during the impact with water and river rocks.
- A third family member received superficial bandages, underwent imaging tests and was discharged on the same day.
Legal procedures instituted to determine responsibilities in the case
The Civil Police of Paraná opened an official investigation with the aim of mapping all the circumstances that led to the disaster at the tourist spot. The investigators’ work includes collecting formal statements from survivors, family members of the fatal victim and guides who work for the concessionaire, in addition to the detailed analysis of the expert reports that will be issued by the Scientific Police.
On a parallel investigation front, the Brazilian Navy opened an Administrative Inquiry into Navigation Accidents and Facts (IAFN). The focus of this military investigation is to accurately determine the technical or human factors that caused the twin-engine boat to capsize, establishing whether there was negligence, recklessness or mechanical failure during the operation of the trip.
Temporary suspension of tourist activities by federal determination
As an immediate response to the fatality and aiming to ensure the fairness of the initial investigations, ICMBio management determined the complete stoppage of Macuco Safari’s operations. The preventive measure established a three-day block on boat trips, effective Tuesday, July 30, 2026.
The federal environmental agency was keen to highlight that the outsourced company operated regularly, having all the permits, licenses and certifications required to explore the water route, which attracts thousands of visitors annually. The temporary interruption of services serves exclusively to ensure the integrity of future passengers and allow experts to assess the accident site without external interference.
