Mexican Navy Rescues 11 Tourists Adrift in Bacalar Lagoon

Mexican Navy personnel assist tourists from the disabled Piraña boat in Bacalar Lagoon

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Eleven people were safely evacuated after their tourist boat lost power and drifted on Bacalar Lagoon, the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) reported.

The vessel, named Piraña, suffered a mechanical failure in its propulsion system that left it completely stranded in the middle of the lagoon. Naval personnel and officers from the Chetumal harbor master’s office spotted the boat while patrolling the area.

Security forces approached the vessel immediately after noticing it was having trouble navigating. They confirmed that the mechanical breakdown prevented the boat from returning to shore on its own.

Following safety and rescue protocols, Navy personnel evacuated the passengers and crew and transferred them to a safe dock. Once on land, all 11 people were checked and no injuries or serious health issues were reported.

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By Javier Mendez

Javier Mendez covers public safety, law enforcement, and legal affairs in Quintana Roo. He monitors official reports from the FGE (State Prosecutor's Office), the Mexican Navy, and municipal police to deliver accurate English summaries of crime, trafficking cases, arrests, and court rulings affecting the Riviera Maya region.Javier has been covering crime and public safety news since 2023, reporting on cases ranging from felony arrests and human trafficking investigations to court proceedings and organized crime-related incidents across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. His reporting provides English-speaking residents and travelers with reliable, timely information about safety conditions in Quintana Roo's major tourist destinations.Javier works closely with official government sources and press offices to verify facts before publication, and maintains an archive of law enforcement communications to provide context for ongoing stories. He is dedicated to accurate, factual reporting on complex safety issues that affect both residents and visitors to the region.For story tips: javier@rivieramayanews.mx