A tragic maritime accident has claimed one life and left two seamen missing off Panama’s Pacific coast. The vessel sank approximately 11 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Caimito in the La Chorrera district of Panama Oeste province. The National Aeronaval Service of Panama confirmed the incident on Saturday.
The boat departed port with 11 people on board. It encountered severe problems at sea and began to sink. Nine occupants were rescued by a private vessel in the area. One of those rescued individuals died before reaching the Hospital Nicolás Solano in La Chorrera. Two crew members remain unaccounted for.
Rescue teams have deployed specialized divers and naval units. The search operation involves the Panama Maritime Authority and the National Civil Protection System, known as Sinaproc. These agencies are coordinating efforts to locate the missing mariners.
Survivors Describe Terrifying Moments at Sea
Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the sinking. They described the chaos and fear as the vessel went down in open water. One survivor said the boat began taking on water without warning. [Translated from Spanish]
“Everything happened so fast. We were just trying to stay alive and help each other. It was horrible.” [Translated from Spanish]
The National Aeronaval Service continues to deploy naval assets and specialized dive teams. These teams work in coordination with Sinaproc and the Panama Maritime Authority. Their mission focuses on locating the two missing seamen.
Families Wait at Puerto Caimito for News
Family members and friends of the missing mariners have gathered at the port. They stand at the water’s edge hoping for positive updates. Many have not slept since the accident was reported.
The Panama Maritime Authority has launched a formal investigation into the sinking. Officials want to determine what caused the vessel to go down. They will examine the boat’s maintenance records and the captain’s navigation decisions.
Rescue operations will continue through the night. The National Aeronaval Service has committed to searching until the missing men are found. Weather conditions in the area remain favorable for the search effort.
This tragedy marks one of the deadliest maritime incidents in Panama Oeste province this year. Local authorities urge all boat operators to verify safety equipment before departing. They recommend checking weather forecasts and carrying emergency communication devices.
🟡🔴 Una embarcación se hundió la mañana de este sábado 16 de mayo en el sector de Puerto Caimito, en la provincia de Panamá Oeste, dejando como saldo preliminar una persona fall*cida y al menos dos desaparecidas, informó TVN Noticias.
— Mi Diario Panamá (@MiDiarioPanama) May 16, 2026
De acuerdo con los primeros informes, en la… pic.twitter.com/vlgS8NpqZ1