Pax

Eight days after the grounding of the 'Pax' on Feb 3, the residents of the community of María Chiquita, in the province of Colón were still awaiting answers regarding the fate of the ship on Feb 11. Several homes have been damaged as a result of the impact and the vessel's continued presence on the shore. To date, the residents have not received official information from the authorities or those responsible for the ship regarding the actions that will be taken for its removal. The situation has worsened due to the strong winds and waves that have affected the Caribbean region in recent days, increasing concerns about potential further damage. The lack of answers has generated discontent among community members, who point out that the grounding has also disrupted their daily and economic activities, especially artisanal fishing, one of the main sources of income in the area. The residents have called on the relevant authorities and those in charge of the vessel to come to the community and provide a clear explanation for the damage caused. The area where the ship grounded was used as a launching point for fishing boats, preventing fishermen from leaving and directly impacting the livelihoods of several families. Report with video: https://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/colon-ocho-dias-despues-residentes_1_2227025.html

On Feb 3, 2026, at around 3 a.m. UTC, the 'Pax' ran aground on the María Chiquita Beach in Colón in pos. 09° 27' N 079° 45' W. Authorities such as the SENAN (National Aeronaval Service) and AMP (Panama Maritime Authority) were inspecting the site. The crew was unharmed and no spills have been reported. Continuous monitoring was underway to remove the ship without environmental risks. Working in conjunction with the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), the authorities were following safety protocols to check the condition of the ship and the surrounding area. The Air and Naval Service was monitoring the site and have activated coordination protocols with the Panama Maritime Authority and the Ministry of the Environment. The vessel's crew was safely disembarked, with no injuries reported, while technical personnel from the Maritime Authority remained on site to begin investigations to determine the causes of the grounding, assess the condition of the vessel, and evaluate any potential environmental impacts. Weather advisories remained in effect for strong winds, high waves, rain, and thunderstorms in several areas of the Caribbean, including Bocas del Toro, Colón, the northern part of the Ngäbe Buglé region, Guna Yala, and northern Veraguas, valid until Feb 4. Ahead of the grounding, the 'Pax' had been loitering in the area for weeks, spending times adrift and at anchor. In the early hours of Feb 3, the vessel was underway at about five knots, navigating parallel to the coastline on an easterly course, until, at about 01.00 a.m., it turned south, headed for the beach. Reports with photos and video: https://www.bluewin.ch/de/news/vermischtes/cargo-schiff-strandet-an-panamas-karibikkueste-3081204.html https://www.midiario.com/nacionales/barco-de-carga-encalla-en-la-playa-de-maria-chiquita-autoridades-realizan-inspeccion-tripulacion-a-salvo-y-sin-danos-ambientales/ https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/barco-encalla-playa-maria-chiquita-colon-n6068731 https://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/barco-carga-encalla-playa-maria-chiquita-autoridades_1_2225830.html https://www.critica.com.pa/nacional/amp-da-seguimiento-dos-naves-varadas-en-colon-504028

Vessel PAX (IMO: 8416750) has been reported to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) for abandonment. Details: - Flag: Cameroon - Port: Colon - Country: Panama - Owed Wages: 12 months - Number of Seafarers: 9 - Seafarer Nationalities: India, Morocco - Reported to ITF: 01 Apr 2025 - Status: Open This information is sourced from the ITF Seafarers abandonment list, which tracks cases of crew abandonment worldwide.