At least one person has died and two are missing after a vessel ran aground in the waters around the Colombian archipelago of San Andrés. This Caribbean island group lies off Nicaragua’s coast and is a common waypoint for migrants en route to North America.
The Colombian Navy reported that 15 people were rescued alive, with one additional fatality attributed to the maritime incident, according to a statement shared on the social platform X.
The country’s Migration Office, which is assisting the rescue efforts alongside the armed forces, confirmed that the vessel carried 18 irregular migrants of multiple nationalities. Among those rescued, at least six were minors.
The waters off San Andrés are part of a region known for being a frequent transit point for migrants. In recent times, there has been a noticeable uptick in arrivals as individuals seek to bypass the Darién Gap and reach Nicaragua while continuing their journey toward the United States.