Panama, Bahia Nombre de Dios: Armed Assault and Robbery – November 2019
Yachts on passage between Linton Bay and the San Blas sometimes take refuge in this bay, but yachts must be careful and seriously consider the risks of stopping over at Bahia Nombre de Dios. This is the 3rd report of assault/robbery from this bay this year, and the 2nd report this week. This updated first-hand report from CSSN. Four men were sentenced to 20 years in jail in June 2023 for committing this crime (see details in the comments section – blue speech bubble).
Published 4 years ago, updated 10 months ago
As reported by CSSN.DATE: 2019-11-08 22:00
Country Name: Panama
Location Detail: Bahia Nombre de Dios
EVENT: Assault
HAND: 2
Stolen Items: Everything
SECURED: N/A
UPDATED REPORT: This report replaces the 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 on board 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 handguns (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 made 6 arrests by 12 November 2019.
Four men were each sentenced to 20 years in jail in June 2023 for carrying out these crimes. See news article in Spanish HERE.
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.
Related Content:
Panama, Bahia Nombre de Dios: Armed Boarding, Assault and Robbery – November 2019
Panama, Linton Bay to San Blas: Armed Robbery at Bahia Nombre de Dios – July 2019
Related Links:
Asaltan velero en Nombre de Dios y violan a dos de sus ocupantes – telemetro.com
Related to following destinations: Caribbean, Panama, Panamamarina & Puerto Lindo, San Blas Islands
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Piracy & Security
CSSN previously reported a robbery (7-13-2019), and 2 violent assaults (11-3-2019, and 11-8-2019) in Nombre de Dios, Panama. The cases are believed to be related. Six men were taken into custody in 2019. La Prensa reports that the Panamanian courts have completed their pros-ecution cases and the judges have sentenced four men.
The four men have been convicted of aggravated rape, aggravated robbery and illicit association, and will each serve 20 years in prison then 5 years additional disqualification from attendance/employment in parks, kindergartens, schools or any place where minors are regularly grouped. News item in Spanish: https://www.prensa.com/judiciales/sentencia-de-20-anos-de-prision-para-cuatro-hombres-por-caso-de-asalto-a-velero-de-noruegos-en-colon/
Feedback from Russell Goedjen of Shelter Bay Marina, Colon, Panama:
Recent boarding and assault events in Panama have been widely reported.
The government is finally taking action on what is a difficult problem. The 6 individuals involved have been arrested. The tourism ministry is taking action and coordinating a program to make the communities in the area aware of the damage these attacks cause.
We have launched a program to get the Maritime Authorities to set up and man the GMDSS system. This make take several years but it will be a major improvement.
The marinas are organizing a watch program as well.
I understand that the President of Panama is personally engaged is this case wanting to show that his country is safe for visitors. Good to see this type of engagement, I hope it is more into this from his side then just political statements.