Overcrowding Blamed in Deadly Cozumel Boat Sinking

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Maritime authorities are investigating whether overcrowding contributed to the sinking of a tourist boat near Isla de la Pasión in Cozumel on Monday night. The incident resulted in one fatality and the rescue of 11 individuals, including three minors and a four-month-old infant. Preliminary reports suggest the accident was caused by a combination of an overloaded vessel and rough seas.

Lack of Life Jackets and Emergency Response

According to initial reports, none of the passengers were wearing life jackets, exacerbating the emergency and likely contributing to the death of one passenger. The victim, identified as 45-year-old José N., was transported unconscious to a Mexican Navy vessel, where CPR attempts were unsuccessful.

The Port Captaincy has remained tight-lipped about the incident but issued a preventive notice prohibiting children under 10 from boarding tourist vessels until further notice.

"By order of the Port Captaincy and due to an incident unrelated to our operations today, it has been determined that passengers under 10 years old will not be permitted to board until further notice. This preventive measure aims to safeguard the safety of all visitors," the official notice stated.

Rescue Efforts and Previous Incidents

The fishing boat Patitas, which was nearby with a malfunctioning engine, provided initial assistance, rescuing several occupants while calling for help by phone. Rescuers from the Naval Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance Station (ENSAR) later located the area using a green light activated on the bow of the sinking vessel.

The rescued minors and their mother were taken to the Cozumel IMSS hospital, where they were reported in stable condition, along with the other passengers.

This marks the third maritime accident recorded in Cozumel in recent years. In April 2024, a boat capsized near the cruise ship Harmony of the Seas due to strong waves. In December of the same year, another vessel carrying 10 tourists sank near the Colombia Reef, allegedly due to a bilge pump failure.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures

Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine responsibility and reinforce maritime safety regulations for tourist transport in Cozumel. Calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols and passenger capacity limits have intensified amid growing concerns over repeated accidents.