What happened
The incident occurred while a seaplane was conducting a maritime patrol mission. The aircraft departed from Coco Solo Naval Air Station in Colón and proceeded to Manzanillo Bay for takeoff operations. During the takeoff run, the seaplane struck a tugboat identified as the 'Alhajucla'. The impact caused an immediate explosion.
The collision resulted in fatal casualties for everyone on board both vessels. All seven crew members of the seaplane were killed. Additionally, six individuals serving on the tugboat lost their lives. The source material lists specific ranks and names for the deceased personnel from both the aircraft and the maritime vessel, confirming the total loss of life involved in the event.