DATE: 2019-11-08 19:00
Country Name: Panama
Location Detail: Bahia Nombre de Dios
EVENT: Assault
HAND: 1
Stolen Items: Everything
SECURED: N/A
DETAILS:
UPDATED REPORT: June 2, 2023 – Panamanian courts have convicted and sentenced 4 men. See CSSN News item here.
UPDATED REPORT: This report replaces our prior preliminary report. The victims made contact with CSSN and provided additional details about the event.
A monohull sailing yacht with 4 men and 2 women onboard departed Linton Bay, and due to unfavorable conditions made an unplanned stop in Bahia Nombre de Dios, anchoring there at about 13:00 HRS. There were no other yachts present in the bay.
At about 19:00 HRS, just after dark they were approached and overrun by 8 men who arrived in 3-4 pangas (engineless boats). The men concealed their faces and had hand guns (1 semi-automatic and a revolver) and knives. The crew was restrained and for approximately 45 minutes the men stole everything they could – cash, personal devices, boat electronics and gear, clothing, liquor and cigarettes.
After the robbers departed the crew was able to remove their restraints and they returned to Linton Bay and berthed at the marina. The women were taken to the hospital for evaluation/treatment. Reports were made to the police, CG, port captain, and the home country consular officials contacted.
The Panamanian police began their investigation and have made 6 arrests as of 12 November 2019.
CSSN NOTE: There have been similar incidents reported in this same bay in the recent past. The first occurred in July 2019, and the most recent less than a week prior.