Multiple deaths after boat sinks in Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Posted on 02/01/24 at 14:14
- Boat sinks on Isla Mujeres and ends on tragedy: 4 dead
- Overcrowded boat
- Failures in maritime security
In a fateful incident that occurred the night of last Monday, January 29, the municipal government of Isla Mujeres, in Mexico confirmed the death of four people.
The incident reported by the authorities includes two women and a child who is only 10 years old.
The tragic event took place when the boat ‘The Goddess of the Sea’, owned by a member of the Puerto Juárez Cooperative, was heading back to Puerto Juárez, in Cancún, Mexico.
A group of people boarded the boat without knowing the tragic fate that awaited them at the end of their journey.
Irregularities in dock
The boat, with capacity for 16 people, left at 2:50 p.m. local time, towards the ‘Perla Negra’ restaurant bar on Isla Mujeres.
Transporting 19 tourists, including 14 adults, one baby and two minors, in addition to Captain Ramón CM and another person, as part of a tour.
However, it should be noted that the restaurant operates irregularly as a passenger dock, lacking official personnel to verify compliance with security measures.
Such as the capacity limit and the sobriety of the crew before starting a trip.
Boat sinks on Isla Mujeres
At the end of the island tour, the boat began its return trip to Cancun around 6:30 p.m., despite the adverse weather conditions.
According to the authorities of Isla Mujeres, a wave generated by a larger vessel destabilized ‘The Goddess of the Sea’, causing it to sink.
The assistance reports were directed to the Harbor Master’s Office of Puerto Juárez and Isla Mujeres, as well as to the Secretary of the Navy (Semar).
However, the delay in the response led local tourism service providers to mobilize by their own means to help people in danger in the middle of the sea.
Rescue work after accident
The rescue efforts had the participation of Civil Protection authorities from the municipality, the state, the Semar and the Captaincy.
So far, the unfortunate loss of four lives has been confirmed, including two women, a man and a 10-year-old child.
Among those rescued was a baby, as well as a woman and a man in serious condition, according to the El Universal news portal.
Simultaneously, the Isla Mujeres Police arrested the captain of the boat, Ramón CM, handing him over to the corresponding authorities to prevent his possible escape.
Call for prevention
Surprisingly, the boat had obtained departure authorization from the Puerto Juárez Harbor Master’s Office, despite carrying an excess of passengers.
This tragic incident has highlighted the lack of supervision and control in maritime operations in the area.
The irregular operation of the ‘Perla Negra’ restaurant as a passenger dock and the authorization for the departure of the vessel with overcapacity have generated criticism of the competent authorities.
Specifically the Comprehensive Port Administration of Quintana Roo (APIQROO) in Mexico.
Authorities questioned
According to El Universal during the APIQROO Operating Committee meetings, various complaints were presented regarding the lack of maritime patrol.
As well as the irregular operation of vessels, the violation of maritime protocols and the undetected presence of people dedicated to criminal activities in the area.
These events could trigger the request for relief for the Port Captaincy holders due to their alleged omissions in the fulfillment of their responsibilities.
The community and relatives of the victims await clear answers and concrete actions to prevent future incidents similar in the region. To see photos of the accident click HERE and HERE.