< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [INTERNATIONAL]

2 clusters · 4 sources · 7 days · First seen · Last updated

Maritime accidents involving tourists in Santa Marta

Overview

Two separate maritime incidents involving tourists have occurred in the Santa Marta region of Colombia.

In August 2026, a 31-year-old Spanish tourist died after a boat capsized near Cabo San Juan in Tayrona National Natural Park. Survivors reported that the vessel lacked sufficient life jackets and was not authorized to provide passenger transport services. The General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR) launched an investigation into the unauthorized departure from Buritaca.

On October 25, 2026, a 58-year-old tourist died after being struck by a boat while snorkeling in the Cabo Tortuga sector. The vessel was reportedly towing an inflatable float, or ‘gusano’, when the impact occurred. The Port Captaincy of Santa Marta is investigating the incident, including a review of the vessel’s permits and safety conditions.

Entities

Santa Marta · General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR) · José Arbey Díaz Alzate · Noelia Maximino · Avidanti Clinic

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Tourist dies after boat collision in Santa Marta

    A 58-year-old tourist died after being struck by a boat while snorkeling in Cabo Tortuga, Santa Marta, Colombia.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Tayrona National Natural Park boat accident kills Spanish tourist

    A Spanish tourist died after a boat capsized in Colombia's Tayrona National Natural Park. Authorities are investigating the unauthorized vessel, which reportedly lacked sufficient life jackets.

Sources

buenaventuraenlinea.com · elespectador.com · minuto30.com · rionoticias.co