Tragedy Strikes as Ten Migrants Drown in Panama's Darien Gap

In a tragic incident, ten migrants drowned while attempting to cross a treacherous river in Panama's Darien Gap, which borders Colombia. The National Border Service reported that the victims were swept away by strong currents, with their bodies later discovered near the Indigenous community of Carreto. Authorities believe the drownings occurred on July 16, but the remote location delayed the release of information. The prosecutor's office is currently investigating the victims' nationalities. The Darien Gap has seen a record influx of migrants in 2023, with over 500,000 attempting the perilous journey through the jungle. More than half of these migrants are from Venezuela, and so far this year, over 212,000 have entered Panama via this dangerous route. The ongoing rainy season exacerbates the risks, making river crossings particularly hazardous. Newly elected President José Raúl Mulino has vowed to curb migration through the Darien with support from the U.S. government. Prior to the recent drownings, at least 29 migrants had already lost their lives in similar attempts this year, with 84 recorded deaths in 2022. Authorities noted that while drownings are not uncommon during the rainy season, this incident marks one of the highest death tolls in recent memory. In response to the rising fatalities, the Panamanian government has implemented measures such as blocking popular routes with barbed wire to direct migrants to a central receiving point. However, the National Border Service warned that organized crime networks continue to exploit unauthorized paths, putting migrants' lives at significant risk.