Mexican Navy Evacuates Crewman From Oil Tanker Off Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Navy evacuated a crew member from an oil tanker who showed signs of a suspected paranoid episode and took him to a hospital in Cancún, officials said.

The evacuation took place about five nautical miles, or nine kilometers, northeast of Isla Mujeres. The emergency was reported through a distress call from the vessel.

The Fifth Naval Region ordered the immediate departure of a motor launch boat carrying Naval Health personnel from the Isla Mujeres Naval Station for Maritime Search, Rescue and Surveillance (ENSAR).

On reaching the tanker, the naval personnel examined the patient and began the evacuation. The boat carried him first to the Fifth Naval Region facilities and then to the Puerto Juárez Naval Station, where a private ambulance took him to a Cancún hospital for specialized medical treatment.

The Navy did not disclose the crew member’s identity or nationality, the name or flag of the vessel, or his current condition.

Second Evacuation From A Tanker In Recent Months

It was the second time in recent months that a tanker crew member has been evacuated off Isla Mujeres. Just over two months ago, personnel from the same ENSAR station rescued a foreign sailor who had suffered second-degree burns to one hand. He was also brought ashore at Puerto Juárez and taken to a hospital in Cancún.