Mahahual, Quintana Roo — A sea turtle conservation group has ruled out damage to the coral reef from the grounding of the yacht Isla Caribe III, which remains stranded on the reef just a few meters off the beach in this town in southern Quintana Roo.
Members of Proyecto AAK Mahahual inspected the seabed at the spot where the vessel came to rest and confirmed that there are no coral colonies in the area.
According to the group, only an overgrowth of algae was observed at the site, a phenomenon it attributed to the recurring presence of sargassum along this stretch of coastline.
The organization said it later worked with the yacht’s owner to remove the fuel on board in order to prevent a hydrocarbon spill and possible harm to the marine ecosystem.
It added that paperwork is already being processed with the authorities for the refloating and relocation of the Isla Caribe III, with the knowledge of environmental officials and the Mahahual port captaincy.
Proyecto AAK Mahahual said that, according to the account given by the vessel’s captain, a mechanical failure caused the accident, leaving the yacht aground and stranded a short distance from the shore on Sunday afternoon.
Mexican Navy personnel set up a security cordon around the area and helped the two people on board come ashore. Both were taken to the Mahahual fishermen’s pier.
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