Panama, Rio Chagres: Thieves target yachts at anchor
Several vessels anchored in the Rio Chagres area of Panama were targetted by thieves during March and unfortunately for one yacht, despite crew members securely locking the companionway while they were exploring the river, thieves entered through an unsecured hatch and stole a large number of items.
Published 1 month ago, updated 3 weeks ago
SOURCE: CSSN Incident Report
DATE: 2025-03-08 15:00
LOCATION: Panama – Rio Chagres
EVENT: Theft
HAND: 1
STOLEN ITEMS: Diving Tanks, Snorkeling Gear, Wet Suits, Fishing Gear, Laptop, 2 Tablets, 4 Powerbanks, 3 Headphones, 4 Portable Speakers, Electric Induction Stove, Bags, Bathing Suits, Beer, Milk, 3 Wallets
SECURED: Not Locked
DETAILS:
While the crew were exploring the river by dinghy their yacht was boarded by thieves. Their companionway was well locked but the thieves found an unsecured hatch and gained access to the interior. They searched thoroughly and many items were stolen from the deck/cockpit/interior including dive tanks, snorkeling gear, wet suits, fishing gear, a laptop, 2 tablets, 4 power banks, 3 sets of headphones, 4 portable speakers, an electric induction stove, swimwear, beer, milk, 3 wallets.
SOURCE: CSSN Incident Report
DATE: 2025-03-29 03:00
LOCATION: Panama – Rio Chagres
EVENT: Attempted Theft
HAND: 1
STOLEN ITEMS: Nothing – their target was the dinghy
SECURED: Locked
DETAILS: A catamaran anchored overnight in the Chagres river and was boarded at about 0300hrs. The yacht’s security video captured the masked and gloved thief, armed with a knife as he rummaged in the cockpit area. Nothing was taken but when the dinghy davit lines were cut, the loud noise scared the thief off. The dinghy was chain locked to the boat.
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Related to following destinations: Caribbean, Cristobal (Colon), Panama
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Caribbean, Piracy & Security
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