The Associated Press reported that 10 migrants died at sea on July 16 while attempting to cross a river in Panama's Darien Canyon.
Ten migrants drowned while trying to cross rapids near the border with Colombia. according to The Border Patrol confirmed the incident to The Associated Press but delayed releasing any details due to the remote location of the scene. The victim was reportedly swept away by strong currents in the river and later found nearby.
Ten migrants drown in rapids across Panama's Darien Canyon https://t.co/W4wt7OV6Vu
— CTV News (@CTVNews) July 24, 2024
According to the Associated Press, Panamanian prosecutors are currently investigating the incident, including determining the nationalities of those who died. Some of the migrants crossing the Darien Valley are Venezuelan. Migration through the Darien Valley has increased this year, with more than 212,000 people crossing from Colombia to Panama so far. In 2023, the number is expected to exceed a record high of 500,000. (Related: 'Not a friendly move': Bret Weinstein details trip to Darien Gap with Tucker, warns of alleged Chinese camps)
In this aerial photo, migrants arrive at the Lajas Blancas migrant care reception center in the jungle region of Darien, Panama, on June 28, 2024. (Photo by Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images)
The current rainy season has made the journey more dangerous, raising the risk of tragedies like this one as river levels rise, according to the Associated Press. Panama's new president, José Raul Mulino, with the backing of the US government, has vowed to curb migrant traffic through the Darien River. But recent government actions, such as installing barbed wire to block popular routes and funneling migrants to a central reception point, have raised eyebrows.
Critics say the measures could push migrants down more dangerous and remote routes. At least 29 migrants have been killed trying to cross the Darien River this year, including 84 last year, police records show.
