Two dead following boat mishap off Panama's Pacific coast

A boat accident that occurred off Panama's Pacific coast late last week has left two people dead, Costa Rican news outlet Tico Times reports.

The unnamed vessel was travelling between the islands of Perico and San Miguel with 23 people on board when it encountered mechanical trouble on Friday, April 18.

Reports are unclear as to whether the vessel capsized or completely sank, though the resulting search and rescue (SAR) operation was extensive with the initial recovery of passengers finally taking place on the morning (local time) of Saturday, April 19.

SAR personnel as well as some Good Samaritans eventually recovered 20 survivors, including a one-and-a-half-year-old infant who has since been brought to hospital.

The bodies of two deceased victims have also been recovered from the surrounding waters.

SAR operations are still ongoing to attempt to locate the last missing passenger, who has been identified as an adult male.

The mishap has raised concerns about sea travel in Panama during the busy Easter holiday period.