A vessel carrying migrants capsized near a Panamanian island on Tuesday, resulting in three confirmed deaths. The General Congress of the Guna, the governing body for the indigenous region, reported the incident occurred near Gaigirgordub island in the Guna Yala archipelago.
According to the organization’s statement, the boat departed from Miramar in Colon province with sixteen migrants aboard. It sank around midday. Personnel from the General Congress of the Guna responded to the scene, rescuing one individual who was trapped beneath the overturned hull. They provided immediate first aid to that survivor.
Official Statement Details Fatalities and Rescue
The congress identified the deceased as two Venezuelan women and one Colombian man. Four people were found trapped under the boat. Only one survived that ordeal. Panama’s national security agencies had not released an official communication about the event as of Tuesday night.
“The General Congress of the Guna reported this Tuesday, February 10, the shipwreck of a vessel transporting migrants, with a toll of three deceased,” the organization’s statement read. [Translated from Spanish]
Local personnel from the indigenous congress led the initial rescue effort. Their quick response in the remote island area likely prevented further loss of life. The condition of the other twelve migrants from the boat remains unclear, raising questions about potential additional casualties or successful swims to shore.
Rough Seas Follow Official Weather Warnings
This maritime tragedy follows recent warnings from Panamanian civil protection and meteorological authorities. They had issued vigilance alerts for strong swells in the Caribbean Sea over the preceding days. The dangerous conditions complicate the already perilous journey for migrants moving through the dense archipelago.
The Guna Yala region, also known as the San Blas Islands, is a common transit route for migrants heading north. Its hundreds of islands present significant navigation hazards, especially during poor weather. This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants in the Americas, a topic previously covered in reports on health challenges in the region like this one on Guna Yala.
Authorities are expected to launch a formal investigation into the cause of the sinking. They will also work to account for all passengers listed on the ill-fated vessel. The community’s response underscores the critical role local indigenous governance plays in emergencies along Panama’s remote coasts.