Tragedy in Darien Gap: Ten Migrants Drown in Panama River Crossing

Ten migrants drowned attempting to cross a river in Panama's Darien Gap, an area bordering Colombia. Panamanian authorities confirmed the incident and attributed the fatalities to swift currents. The event occurred on July 16 but was only recently reported due to the region's remoteness. A formal investigation is underway.

Ten migrants drowned trying to cross a rushing river in Panama's Darien Gap that borders Colombia, Panamanian authorities said Wednesday.

The National Border Service stated that the victims were swept away by the strong current and their bodies were later found near the Indigenous community of Carreto.

An official, speaking anonymously, noted the incident occurred on July 16 but could only be reported now due to the area's remoteness. The prosecutor's office is investigating, including determining the victims' nationalities. Over half of the migrants traveling through the Darien are from Venezuela.

In 2023, over 500,000 migrants made the perilous journey, setting a record. This year, 212,000 have already entered Panama via the Darien.

The rainy season in Panama heightens risks, making river crossings particularly dangerous.

Newly appointed Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has vowed to curb migration through Darien with assistance from the U.S. government.