Coiba Island Prison was set up by the Panamanian government just offshore in 1919 for the country’s “worst of the worst”. It loosely compares to Alcatraz, in that it’s an isolated island off the coast in shark-infested waters and heavy current activity. Just getting there is a challenge, as you cannot simply dock and go ashore. Access may involve descending from a helicopter or rowing a boat through open ocean just to reach the beach. During the dictatorships of Torrijos and Noriega, the location was greatly feared as the last place anyone would choose to go. During its time as a penal colony, hard labor and forced servitude were all the rage. However, it finally ceased operations in 2004 and has since become overgrown by the surrounding jungles and vegetation. It’s now also a protected world heritage site than remains virtually intact as it was when prisoners stayed there. In its heyday, thousands of inmates were kept there in cramped cells with long workdays in extreme weather conditions. As is the case with most sites of great tragedy and violence, the area has gained a notorious reputation for being extremely haunted, even when it was open for business. Countless tales are told of various disembodied voices and sounds permeating from all directions. One particular guard is believed by locals and visitors to remain on duty doing his rounds. The massive desolation makes it quite obvious why nobody wanted to be there.
Haunted Coiba Island Prison
