CANCUN, Mexico – Tragedy struck off the coast of Cancun as a tourist boat carrying 19 people sank, resulting in at least four deaths. According to Mexican authorities, the captain of the “Diosa del Mar” has been detained in connection with the incident.
The boat was en route from Isla Mujeres to Cancun when it sank in the bay between the two locations. The Isla Mujeres City Council expressed its solidarity with the families of the victims and the individuals who were rescued.
Located just 3.5 miles from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a popular tourist destination. As news emerged, Quintana Roo Attorney General Raciel Lopez Salazar disclosed that the vessel was carrying 17 Mexican tourists and two crew members.
An investigation is underway to determine if the boat was overcrowded and if adverse weather conditions played a role in the tragedy. The authorities are analyzing weather conditions, boat capacity, and equipment condition. The captain, whose identity remains undisclosed, is believed to have some responsibility in the incident.
Numerous passengers were rescued from the sea by the Mexican Navy and other agencies. However, the rescue operation is ongoing, and the identities and conditions of those saved have not been disclosed at this time.
As the investigation and rescue efforts continue, the death toll stands at four, with seven people still missing. Authorities have refrained from releasing any passenger identities until the rescue operation is concluded.