The transcript and findings will then be distributed to the parties involved and the yacht owners will submit their claims for damages to the ACP legal department. Then the ACP, if they have been found responsible for the accident, will make an offer of settlement. If the settlement is not satisfactory the next resort is the Maritime Tribunal here in Panama. Since the hearing the PCA has made every effort assist the disabled Nepenthe and Antares Royale by moving them to the safety of the Pedro Miguel Boat Club. The many world cruisers there greeted and comforted them.
Most yachts pass though Panama without any problem.
Incidents, caused by the water turbulence in the locks during the filling of the chambers or by the wash from a ship ahead are limited to bent stanchions, damaged rub rails and the like. With careful seamanship most accidents can be avoided. German by Barbara Sandmeier. The frustration, disbelief, and above all anguish, are obvious without having to understand a word of German. My heart goes out to Barbara, Ullie, John, and to all involved who saw their boats and their dreams dashed before their eyes.