Boat Accident Blame Game in Cozumel Diving Incident

Cozumel, Mexico — Fernán Salazar, leader of the nautical operators in Cozumel’s caleta, has blamed the “Divemaster” for an accident in which the diver was injured after being struck by the Maranatha 4 boat while guiding tourists at the Yucab reef.

In an interview, the nautical leader, who is also the owner of the Maranatha 4, reported that nearly six months after the incident, the State Attorney General’s Office continues to investigate the accident.

He stated that over these months, he has been the subject of “gossip” and “slander” for being implicated in the accident, in which the diver suffered injuries to his leg, knee, ankles, and spine.

The incident in question occurred on July 25, when, according to reports from that day, the “divemaster,” named Manuel Acuña Cepeda, with over three decades of diving experience, was struck by the aforementioned boat.

Regarding this, Fernán Salazar asserted that the diver was treated as a hero, as he had supposedly saved a tourist from being hit; however, the interviewee claimed that this “divemaster” was actually responsible for the accident.

He indicated that this diver did not deploy surface markers or safety buoys, and furthermore, the safety boat was 300 meters away from where the diving service was being provided.

“And if he says he had a lot of experience, he demonstrated that he is ignorant about the services he is providing, about the safety measures he should take,” he added.

The nautical leader said that as a result of this accident, the Port Authority seized three of his boats.

He pointed out that from the moment of the accident, he has collaborated with the Attorney General’s Office to clarify the facts as soon as possible.

He maintained that the worker, advised by a “very aggressive lawyer,” is seeking a costly compensation.

However, he reported that he is now ready to demonstrate that the accident was “due to lack of caution, lack of signage, and lack of professionalism.”

“We will wait for the negotiation tables, when the people who should be there are present, when they summon us. Then, we are ready to refute them,” he finally said.