Cozumel Nautical Thefts Cause Over 10 Million Peso Losses

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Nautical service providers on the island of Cozumel have reported economic losses exceeding 10 million pesos resulting from the theft of outboard motors and boats, a problem that directly impacts the tourism sector and the livelihood of dozens of families.

Cozumel Nautical Business Owners Denounce Lack of Effective Response

According to William Güemes, president of the Cooperative of Nautical Service Providers, at least 15 business owners in the sector have been victims of thefts so far this year.

However, no significant progress has been recorded in the investigations by the corresponding authorities to date.

The leader indicated that, due to the lack of results from the complaints, in some cases the affected parties themselves have had to conduct investigative work to try to recover the stolen equipment.

Suspicion of Criminal Network Operating Outside the Island

Güemes stated that the guild has leads regarding the possible identity of those responsible.

Furthermore, he asserted that there is information pointing to the stolen motors being transported and sold in Mérida, Yucatán, and in Cancún.

This, they stated, suggests the operation of a possible organized criminal network dedicated to this type of theft.

Motors Valued at Over 400,000 Pesos

The cooperative president specified that each outboard motor costs over 400,000 pesos.

Additionally, the theft of entire boats has considerably increased the total amount of economic losses.

Faced with this scenario, the nautical service providers have issued an urgent call to the authorities to reinforce security.

They ask them to provide timely follow-up to the complaints filed and to stop a crime that affects the tourist image of Cozumel and the economic stability of the sector.

Direct Impact on Tourism in Cozumel

The nautical sector is one of the main economic activities on the island, so the thefts not only represent material losses but also service cancellations, impacts on visitors, and risks to the destination’s tourism competitiveness.