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| This time of year in Panama is characterized by bad weather, which can easily lead to accidents, most of which involve illegal immigration. (Source: wenews) |
In a statement on February 15, Panama's Ministry of Public Security said that a boat carrying 27 people, mainly Afghan migrants on a journey from Colombia to the United States, capsized off the coast of the Caribbean Sea.
The boat was hit by high waves in the Punta Carreto area, 25km from the border between Panama and Colombia. Panamanian authorities have rescued 21 people and are still searching for one missing person. Among the five dead were two women and a child.
Panama's Ministry of Public Security said that this time of year in the country is characterized by bad weather, which makes it prone to accidents, mostly related to illegal migration.
According to Mr. Jorge Gobea, Director General of the National Border Agency (Senafront) of Panama, the search and rescue work is still being urgently deployed, while many victims' bodies are stuck on the cliff. The rugged terrain makes the salvage work difficult.
Panama's Public Security Minister Juan Pino suspects the tragedy was linked to the notorious Clan del Golfo gang, which operates mainly in Colombia and profits from human trafficking.
The sea route is one of the routes migrants use to travel north in search of the “promised land,” instead of crossing the dangerous Darien jungle. Regardless of which route they choose, migrants face numerous difficulties due to harsh weather, wild animals and crime.
Panama is on the migration route from South America to the north. Official statistics show that in 2023, more than 520,000 people, about 120,000 of them minors, entered Panama through the Darien jungle, surpassing the record highs of previous years.
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