The British Wharf or Muelle Inglés in Spanish, has been with us for a very long time. When I first came to Panama City in 1962 from the banana plantations of Bocas del Toro, the dock was already there. In fact, there were only two wharves in the bay, (e.g., The British and the Fiscal Wharf).
When the Cinta Costera was built under the administration of Martin Torrijos Espino (2004-2009), the Fiscal Wharf was demolished and its services were transferred to the nearby British Wharf.
Very little is known about this pier, except that in the morning of February 23, 1915, a group of 53 policemen and four officers departed from this dock in Panama City on board the steamship “Veraguas” under the command of General Manuel Quintero Villarreal and the Governor of the Province of Panama, Rodolfo Estripeau.
After 44 hours of sailing, General Quintero and his men arrived at former Rabo de Puerco (today known as Puerto Armuelles). Other than this brief historic passage of the dock linked to the Guerra de Coto with Costa Rica, the rest of the history of the pier, has been devoured by the passing of time.
Under the administration of Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal, the British Wharf was totally restored to serve the growing needs of the city dwellers. Panama was growing very fast and the installations were literally falling apart. The maritime authorities selected an elegant design with bright colors for the new building which enhances the overall beauty of the city.
The dock serves the needs of the adjacent seafood market which is visited by thousands of consumers every day, specially during Easter Week when Roman Catholics include fish in their meals as part of their religious faith.
Below are several pictures of the restored British Wharf. Here we go.
Snapshot of the Muelle Inglés before it was restored by the administration of Ricardo Martinelli. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of the entrance of the new building of British Wharf with a modern design and bright colors. Many Panamanians use these facilities to travel by boat to the islands of the Archpiélago de las Perlas and the Province of Darién. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Take notice of the modern design of the modern building recently restored to serve the needs of the seafood market and the passengers who travels to the islands of the bay and the Province of Darién. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
If you love lines in a photograph, this picture is for you. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of the waiting room where passengers wait for their vessels to leave for the islands of the bay or the ports of Darién. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
If you happen to know more about this historic dock, I would appreciate if you would share this information with us. Capturing history is vital in keeping the traditions and cultural background of our countries. Good Day.
