Puerto Progreso, Yucatan — Local fishermen have reported diesel spills near the Arcos pier in Puerto Progreso, prompting a response from Pemex, Mexico’s state oil company, and the Mexican Navy.
The spills, which intensified over the past week, have raised concerns about environmental damage and risks to fishing activities and beachgoer safety. Fishermen alerted authorities to at least two main slicks—one located approximately 300 meters offshore beneath the Arcos pier, and another about 100 meters away.
Pemex and Mexican Navy personnel have begun monitoring the area and deployed containment barriers under the pier to prevent further spread of the fuel. Preliminary investigations suggest the cause may be damage to an underwater pipeline used to transport hydrocarbons to the deep-water port.
The pipeline reportedly has damage in at least two sections, causing a continuous leak. Fishermen associate these leaks with lines coming from the remote unloading terminal at Progreso.
Fishing communities have expressed concern, noting they had reported similar irregularities months ago, warning about environmental impact and risks to their livelihood and public safety.
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