SAN JOSE: Sixteen British tourists were stuck Wednesday in a mountain pass in Costa Rica as rough weather kept rescuers from bringing them out, Red Cross officials said.

The tourists were climbing in mountains around Santa Maria de Dota, southwest of the capital, on a day trip when a girl in the group apparently broke her leg, delaying their ability to get out.

Heavy rains have kept Red Cross workers from bringing out the Britons, the agency said.

"We have staff close to them, and we are evaluating the best way to get them out, but if the weather does not improve, the operation could take two more days," Red Cross director Guillermo Arroyo said.

Arroyo said 28 staff were working on the rescue operation in the tourism-dependent Central American nation known for its rain forests, mountains and beaches.

BDST: 1015 HRS, August 12, 2010