Another Manatee Found Dead in Chetumal Bay, Raising Conservation Concerns

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — A manatee was found dead near the mouth of Chetumal Bay with deep lacerations likely caused by a boat propeller, sparking renewed alarm among environmentalists over the endangered species’ protection.

Tourists navigating the area discovered the mammal’s body floating and alerted authorities. Preliminary assessments suggest the injuries resulted from a vessel’s propeller, though environmental officials have not yet conducted an official investigation to confirm the exact cause of death.

This incident adds to a troubling pattern of manatee fatalities in the region in recent years:

• Five manatees were reported dead in 2020.
• Another case occurred in 2023 with no visible signs of impact.
• In 2024, a rehabilitated manatee named “Pompeyo” died from an infection.
• A death with an unconfirmed cause was documented in 2025.

Additionally, in late February, residents of Río Hondo communities such as Javier Rojo Gómez and Pucté reported another dead manatee with similar injuries also attributed to boats.

Environmentalists and local citizens are calling for increased surveillance and stronger measures to prevent further manatee deaths in one of Mexico’s most critical conservation areas for the species.