Cozumel, Mexico — Dive Master Manuel Acuña Cepeda, a seasoned professional with over three decades of diving experience, is fighting for his life after being severely injured when he was struck by the tourist boat Maranatha 4 while guiding visitors at the Yucab reef.
Incident Details
According to witnesses, the vessel approached at excessive speed, disregarding warning signals, and ran over Acuña Cepeda just minutes after he had entered the water to assist a tourist in distress. The collision caused critical injuries to his leg, knee, ankles, and spine.
Investigators suspect a design flaw may have contributed to the accident: the Maranatha 4’s controls are located at the rear of the boat, significantly reducing forward visibility when underway.
Authorities Respond
Despite the severity of the incident, no arrests have been made. The Port Captaincy has only summoned the boat’s captain and crew member for questioning.
Acuña Cepeda was urgently transported to Cozumel’s International Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, local nautical service providers are demanding stricter regulations and exemplary penalties to prevent similar accidents in the future.
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