Panama, Guna Yala, Isla Surdub (Isla Mono): New Zealand Cruising Family Attacked and Father Fatally Injured – May 2019
(May 6, 2019) – On May 2, 2019, the MV Aqua Lobo was attacked by masked and armed robbers while anchored off La Isla Surdub (Isla Mono) near de Dad Naggwe Dubbirin, in a remote part of Guna Yala, Panama.
Published 6 years ago, updated 5 years ago
On board were Alan and Derryn Culverwell along with their two young children, Briar and Finn. After two years cruising the Caribbean, the family were on their way to transit the Panama Canal and head back home across the Pacific to New Zealand.
On May 2nd their trawler, MV Aqua Lobo, was boarded by armed robbers who attacked the family. Alan was tragically killed during the attack and Derryn and Briar were wounded.
Consulate officials from the New Zealand embassy in Panama and General Manager, Juan Jose Boschetti of Shelter Bay Marina, are offering assistance to the family, as is the local Kuna elder.
Derryn and her children have received medical attention and are now safely ashore.
Further reading:
News Hub NZ have a detailed report here.
The Caribbean Safety & Security Net (CSSN) have a report here.
https://www.gofundme.com/help-for-the-culverwell-family-on-aqua-lobo?
As reported by:
https://www.midiario.com/policiales/matan-a-un-turista-en-guna-yala/
Noonsite has not independently verified this information.
Related to following destinations: Panama, San Blas Islands
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Piracy & Security