Maracaibo, Venezuela – A 16-year-old boy was found dead in Lake Maracaibo on Monday morning after disappearing the previous afternoon while swimming near Vereda del Lago.
The victim, identified as Abdón José Maicán Percefiel, was located around 9:00 a.m. On April 20, 2026, entangled in an artisanal fishing net that prevented his body from being carried further into the lake by strong currents.
According to reports, Maicán Percefiel had entered the water with an 18-year-old companion on Sunday afternoon when he was suddenly overcome by a whirlpool near the breakwater close to El Milagro Avenue in the Vereda del Lago II area.
Despite efforts by his friend to rescue him, the teenager was unable to stay afloat. His girlfriend and others present immediately alerted authorities, triggering a search operation involving over 40 personnel from Civil Protection, Maracaibo Fire Department, Municipal Police, and Marine Firefighters.
Search efforts were suspended overnight due to poor visibility and resumed at dawn on Monday, leading to the discovery of the body.
Officials confirmed the remains were transferred to the National Forensic Medicine and Sciences Service (Senamecf) for standard procedures.
The incident has drawn attention to safety concerns at the popular lakeside recreational area, particularly during periods of unpredictable water conditions.
