Colombia: Shipwreck with 40 migrants in Chocó leaves at least 6 dead

News Update

A boat sailing between Turbo, Antioquia, and Acandí, Chocó, wrecked about 40 migrants on board. At least six people died and 35 were rescued alive. "Unfortunately, the loss of six lives there, including a minor. And so far we understand that they are all foreigners," said Luis Fernando Martínez, mayor of Acandí. Lancheros near the site of the shipwreck, registered between Acandí and Unguía, were the ones who rescued 35 people alive. In Titumate, a rural area of Unguía, survivors of the shipwreck are cared for. Leaders of Acandí had warned the national government of the danger of the strong wave in the Gulf of Urabá. "You have to ride some caravans and have a support helicopter because crossing the Gulf in January, February and March is high risk," said Emigdio Pertuz, representative of the Northern Community Council. Colombian Navy units are advancing a search operation in order to locate a missing person.