Pax Vessel Reviews and Specifications

As of February 11, the residents of María Chiquita in Colón province have been grappling with the aftermath of the 'Pax' ship grounding that occurred eight days earlier on February 3. Community members are still left without clear communication from authorities or the ship's owners about plans for its removal. The presence of the vessel has caused significant damage to several homes along the shoreline and has raised alarms amid recent strong winds and waves in the Caribbean, heightening fears of additional destruction. Local fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the sea, have been particularly hard-hit as the area where 'Pax' ran aground was a critical launch point for fishing boats. This disruption has severely impacted artisanal fishing activities, a primary income source for many families in the community. Frustration among residents is palpable, as they demand transparency and accountability from both officials and the vessel's operators over the ongoing situation. In light of these challenges, the community is urging those responsible to engage with them directly and address the consequences of the grounding. For more insight into this ongoing situation, you can view the report here: https://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/colon-ocho-dias-despues-residentes_1_2227025.html.

In the early hours of February 3, 2026, at approximately 3 a.m. UTC, the cargo ship 'Pax' encountered trouble and ran aground on the picturesque María Chiquita Beach, located in Colón at coordinates 09° 27' N 079° 45' W. Local authorities, including the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) and the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), promptly arrived at the scene to conduct thorough inspections. Thankfully, all crew members were reported safe, with no environmental spills associated with the incident. As part of ongoing safety efforts, the authorities initiated continuous monitoring to ensure the safe removal of the vessel without causing ecological harm. In collaboration with the Panama Maritime Authority, they implemented essential safety protocols to examine both the ship's condition and the surrounding environment. The Air and Naval Service is overseeing the operations, coordinating closely with the AMP and the Ministry of the Environment. The crew was successfully disembarked without injuries, while technical experts from the Maritime Authority began an investigation to identify the reasons behind the grounding, evaluate the ship's condition, and assess any possible environmental impact. Weather advisories currently warn of strong winds, elevated waves, rain, and thunderstorms across various regions of the Caribbean, including Colón, Bocas del Toro, parts of the Ngäbe Buglé region, Guna Yala, and northern Veraguas, with alerts set to last until February 4. Prior to the incident, the 'Pax' had been loitering in the area for several weeks, previously drifting and anchoring before attempting to navigate parallel to the coastline at a speed of about five knots. At around 1:00 a.m., the vessel shifted course to the south, ultimately leading to its grounding on the beach. For detailed reports and footage of the event, check the following links: [Bluewin](https://www.bluewin.ch/de/news/vermischtes/cargo-schiff-strandet-an-panamas-karibikkueste-3081204.html), [Mi Diario](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/), [Telemetro](https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/barco-encalla-playa-maria-chiquita-colon-n6068731), [TVN](https://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/barco-carga-encalla-playa-maria-chiquita-autoridades_1_2225830.html), [Crítica](https://www.critica.com.pa/nacional/amp-da-seguimiento-dos-naves-varadas-en-colon-504028).

In a concerning development for maritime workers, the vessel PAX (IMO: 8416750) has been officially reported to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) for abandonment. As per the latest updates, this vessel, registered under the flag of Cameroon, has been docked in Colon, Panama. The situation has left nine seafarers, comprising individuals from India and Morocco, in a precarious position, as they have not been paid their wages for an alarming duration of 12 months. This case, logged with the ITF on April 1, 2025, remains open and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by maritime crew members worldwide. The ITF maintains a comprehensive abandonment list, continuously monitoring and addressing cases of neglect towards crew members at sea, making this case a significant reminder of the vulnerabilities that remain in the industry.