Panama, Rio Chagres: Locked boat burgled – May 2016

As reported by the Caribbean Safety & Security Net.

DATE: 2016-05-12

Country Name: Panama

Location Detail: Rio Chagres

EVENT: Burglary

Stolen Items: Handheld electronics, camera, watch, tools.

SECURED: Locked

DETAILS:

At anchor one mile up from the mouth of the river. Off the boat in dinghy fishing. Boat locked up.

Returned after two hours and saw a boat at our boat, quickly departing. Discovered locked companionway slide kicked open (minor damage) and boat ransacked. Two or three perps in an 18-foot white aluminum skiff with black outboard believed to be a local fisherman.

Notified soldiers on naval patrol boat at the mouth of the river, and they searched area for three hours in their craft, feeder streams in my dinghy, and waded up small streams. Very helpful, professional, courteous. Took full report. Also reported on the local VHF net.