Authorities have intensified investigations to determine the possible involvement of human trafficking networks in the case of the shipwreck that occurred in Costa Arriba de Colón, after it was confirmed that the vessel was carrying 33 migrants, including five children, and that 19 people remain unaccounted for.
According to official information, of the 14 people treated after the incident, one died and 13 were injured. Twelve are Venezuelan nationals and one is Colombian, which reinforces the hypothesis of an irregular migratory route through the Panamanian Caribbean.
Children among the survivors
One element that has raised authorities' alerts is the presence of minors, aged 2 to 12, who were on board the vessel at the time of the disaster.
The five children are part of the group of injured who remain in stable condition at the Nombre de Dios Maternal and Child Health Center.
Authorities highlighted that the survivors are the main source of information to clarify how many people were actually on board, the starting point of the journey, and the final destination of the route.
Search continues and investigation expands
The search and rescue operation remains active in the Palmira area, Santa Isabel district, with the participation of SENAN, SINAPROC, SUME 911, and the National Migration Service, while attempting to confirm the whereabouts of those initially reported as missing.
In parallel, the mechanical failure that may have left the vessel adrift is being investigated, as well as the conditions under which the trip was made, including the possible responsibility of organizers or intermediaries.
Irregular routes under scrutiny
This case once again puts the use of irregular maritime routes in the Panamanian Caribbean under scrutiny, used by migrants seeking to bypass land controls, exposing themselves to extreme conditions and vessels without safety guarantees.
Authorities reiterated that criminal actions are not ruled out once the corresponding responsibilities are clarified.
