Mexican Navy Seizes Boat With Spearfishing Gear and 400 Liters of Gasoline Off Progreso
Progreso, Yucatán — The Mexican Navy seized a small boat carrying specialized spearfishing equipment and 400 liters of gasoline about 14 nautical miles northwest of Puerto Progreso, officials announced.
Naval personnel spotted the vessel behaving suspiciously during a routine maritime patrol. According to authorities, the occupants ignored orders to stop for inspection, prompting a controlled pursuit that ended near Yucalpetén.
During the search, officers found two spearguns, diving gear including masks, fins, regulators, specialized hoses, an air compressor, and a homemade air tank, along with the fuel. The five crew members could not produce fishing permits or any documentation related to marine species extraction.
The boat was handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation, while the seized equipment remains in the custody of the Ninth Naval Zone. The Navy said it will continue to strengthen surveillance along the Yucatán coast to combat illegal activities and protect marine resources.
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
