Neglect Blamed in Aqua Tours Dock Collapse: Officials

Cancún, Mexico — The lack of maintenance could be the cause of the collapse of the Aqua Tours dock, according to Antonio Riveroll, director of Civil Protection. He stated that the company has five days to provide documentation on the condition of the structure prior to the incident.

In an interview, the municipal official explained that one day after the accident, which occurred last Thursday, the company was requested to submit maintenance logs and its operational protocol for the dock.

“The dock is made of wood, which tends to rot if not properly maintained or replaced when exposed to water. They will have to prove that maintenance was carried out and that the dock was in good condition—meaning this was an accident and not negligence,” Riveroll said.

He confirmed that the area is currently suspended for repairs, and the company has been issued an inspection report to determine liability. If the company fails to provide the required documentation, it could face a fine ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 pesos or a permanent closure of the dock.

The municipal official clarified that the company had a pre-approved authorization from Civil Protection, as all documentation under the new digital system is automatically granted this status. However, no prior inspection had been conducted.

Additionally, Riveroll announced that starting Tuesday or Wednesday, an inspection operation will be carried out on docks in the Hotel Zone in coordination with the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo) and the Port Authority.

The dock collapsed on Thursday night, prompting emergency responders to mobilize to Kilometer 7 of Boulevard Kukulcán.

Upon arrival, authorities spoke with the owner of the vessel El Rayo, who explained that while providing service to a family, the boat collided with the dock, causing it to collapse. Paramedics provided first aid to six family members, none of whom sustained serious injuries, eliminating the need for hospitalization.