Shipwreck off Panama Coast Claims Life of Colombian Child
A three-year-old colombian girl died Sunday after a boat carrying 20 migrants capsized off the coast of Miramar, Santa Isabel, in Panama’s Colón province. Panamanian authorities confirmed the child’s death despite attempts at resuscitation.
The incident involved a vessel operated by a Colombian national, which was not authorized for passenger transport. According to a statement from the Panamanian Executive, the boat was registered for artisanal fishing only and departed from an unauthorized dock. While the nationalities of all those aboard haven’t been officially released, local reports indicate the majority were Venezuelan.
A private vessel provided initial assistance, followed by response efforts from the National aeronaval Service (Senan).
The tragedy occurs amidst a shift in migration patterns through Panama. Following policy changes implemented after José Raúl Mulino assumed the presidency in July 2024, and coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, the flow of migrants crossing the dangerous Darién gap has decreased. These policies include U.S.-funded repatriation flights and efforts to close unofficial crossing routes.
A July 2024 migration agreement between Panama and the United States has provided $14 million ( $7 million in 2024 and $7 million in 2025) to support Panama’s deportation and expulsion operations. As of October, 2,736 migrants have been deported or expelled under this agreement, according to Panamanian Security Minister Frank Ábrego.
Consequently, a growing number of migrants are now opting to travel by boat from Panamanian Caribbean ports to a border town in Colombia, continuing their journey southwards rather than attempting the overland route through the Darién.
