Two rescuers died after a sudden surge swept through the Macho de Monte river during a mountain-rescue training exercise in Chiriquí, Panama’s National Civil Protection System confirmed Thursday morning.
Search teams using drones located both bodies in the upper watershed following operations that continued through the night, Sinaproc director Omar Smith told TVN Noticias. The difficult recovery operation required rope systems, anchors and teams working in a steep, high-risk area.
The emergency began on September 30 in the Macho de Monte canyon at Cuesta de Piedra, in the district of Tierras Altas. Thirty-one course participants and seven instructors were taking part in training involving rope-rescue techniques and rappelling when the river rose abruptly.
Smith said the two victims were positioned on a safety line when they recognized the danger and helped evacuate the remaining participants. He described their actions as instrumental in preventing a higher death toll.
One victim led Sinaproc’s mountain operations in Volcán and was directing the exercise. The other was described as a volunteer monitor associated with a private organization. Their names had not been publicly released in the initial confirmed report.
The other members of the group were reported to be physically stable. Sinaproc arranged psychological assistance for the survivors following the overnight emergency.
Officials said conditions had been checked before the exercise and that no official flood warning was active. A monitor stationed farther upstream reportedly attempted to alert the group after observing the rising water, but the river’s noise made communication difficult.
Sinaproc has opened an internal investigation into the incident. The Public Prosecutor’s Office also reached the area to oversee the recovery of the bodies and the corresponding investigation.
The inquiry will need to determine how the training exercise was authorized, what monitoring and evacuation procedures were in place, and whether the warning reached participants soon enough for them to leave the canyon safely.
Sources: TVN Noticias
