A catastrophic maritime event occurred on the night of January 29, 2024, when a boat carrying 19 people, consisting of 17 tourists and two crew members, overturned in the waters between Cancún, and Isla Mujeres, frequented tourist spots on the Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Tragically, the accident resulted in the loss of four Mexican tourists: one woman, two men, and a ten-year-old boy.
The rest of the passengers, all of Mexican nationality, were pulled from the water and rescued by the Mexican Navy and various local entities. Some were transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
The boat, christened Diosa del Mar (Goddess of the Sea), was on its route back to Cancún from Isla Mujeres, where the passengers had been dining at a local eatery.
Initial inquiries by the authorities, including state attorney general Raciel López, are centered on establishing if overcrowding or unfavorable weather conditions played a part in the accident. Reports noted that the boat had a maximum capacity of 16 passengers but was carrying 19 individuals at the time of the incident. There’s also conjecture regarding a possible impact from the wake of a larger ship. Safety issues concerning boats in the region have been highlighted, particularly adherence to passenger limits and the use of life vests, which were not clearly evident in this occurrence. The boat’s captain was held for further questioning about the incident.
The narrow waterway between Isla Mujeres and Cancún is known for its heavy traffic, accommodating ferries, private recreational vessels, and small charter boats.
This area has been the site of multiple accidents in the past. In 2022, two American divers lost their lives when a dive boat ran over them despite visible warning signals.
In 2018, a blast on a passenger ferry at Playa del Carmen mildly injured about two dozen tourists, some of whom were foreigners.
In 2000, the British singer Kirsty MacColl was struck fatally by a boat propeller while diving at Cozumel, opposite Playa del Carmen.
In response to ongoing complaints, local authorities have instated new rules concerning boat anchoring off Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres.
These updated regulations encompass the placement of a durable buoy line to limit boat entry to the popular beach locale and a charge for using mooring points along the 2,600-foot-long line. Signage cautions swimmers about entering the boat zone and boats against anchoring within 33 feet of the line. The harbor master’s office supervises the area and imposes penalties for contraventions.
