Diver Hit by Speeding Boat at Yucab Reef, Family Blames Negligence

Cozumel, Mexico — Following the severe accident suffered by Manuel "Manolo" Acuña Zepeda at the Yucab reef, his family asserts that he had deployed proper safety signals during his dive and that the boat involved was traveling at an excessive speed, violating regulations in the area.

Safety Protocols Ignored

According to César Zepeda, the victim’s uncle, Acuña Zepeda was conducting a guided dive with six divers from the cruise ship Harmony of the Seas and had deployed his signaling buoy to mark his ascent, as required by safety protocols. However, a boat equipped with two outboard motors, en route to the area known as El Cielo, allegedly ignored the 4-knot speed limit imposed by the Port Authority for reef and snorkeling zones. The vessel reportedly passed over the Yucab reef at high speed, striking Acuña and causing severe injuries.

Severe Injuries and Emergency Response

The collision left Acuña Zepeda with more than eight deep wounds across his lower back, buttocks, femur, tibia, and fibula, exposing his knee, hand, and ankle. During his transfer to Hospital Internacional, he suffered significant blood loss, but rapid medical intervention, a blood transfusion, and emergency surgery stabilized his condition.

After a seven-hour surgical procedure performed by local specialists, the dive master was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in stable condition. However, he will require additional surgeries for knee reconstruction. Medical staff are also monitoring him for potential kidney damage due to blood loss.

Calls for Stricter Safety Measures

Zepeda condemned the negligence of the speedboat, which was operating in a restricted area without adequate visibility for the pilot. The incident has raised concerns about the need to reinforce safety protocols in Cozumel to prevent similar tragedies.

The family’s account underscores the urgency of stricter enforcement of maritime regulations to protect divers and snorkelers in the region.