Tragedy Strikes in Mexico: Shipwreck Claims Lives of Four Tourists, Captain in Custody
In a devastating incident off the coast of Cancún and Isla Mujeres, a shipwreck involving a small boat named “Diosa del Mar” has left four tourists dead and raised questions about the vessel’s capacity and the possible role of adverse weather conditions.
The Isla Mujeres city council reported that the boat, carrying a total of 19 people, including 17 tourists from Mexico, the captain, and a helper, encountered the tragedy in the bay between Isla Mujeres and Cancún on Monday night. The vessel was returning from Isla Mujeres to Cancún, a popular route that is approximately 3.5 miles.
The captain of the boat survived the incident and was promptly taken into custody, as confirmed by the city council. Authorities from the state of Quintana Roo are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shipwreck. Key aspects under scrutiny include the boat’s capacity, the impact of weather conditions, and the overall condition of the vessel’s equipment.
Raciel López Salazar, the attorney general of Quintana Roo, addressed the media, stating, “We are analyzing the climatological conditions, the capacity of the boat, and whether the boat had the capacity to transport 19 people, and the condition of the equipment on the boat. There are people who are responsible for this, and we have the captain detained.”
Despite ongoing investigations, Salazar hinted at the captain’s potential responsibility, emphasizing that the inquiry is still in progress. The state coordination of civil protection department in Quintana Roo conducted a boat search-and-rescue operation in Isla Mujeres with the assistance of local agencies and the Mexican navy, successfully rescuing some individuals who were receiving medical attention.
Reports suggest that high waves and the wake of a larger passing vessel, common in the busy passage between Isla Mujeres and Cancún, may have contributed to the tragic incident. As authorities delve into the details, the community mourns the loss of four lives in this maritime disaster.
Four people have died and over a dozen were rescued in the shipwreck of a small boat carrying tourists between Isla Mujeres and Cancun on Monday night. https://t.co/WbkR5Heyhv
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 31, 2024