Cancún, Mexico — A 23-year-old man identified as Ángel R. T. was found dead on the shore in the Puerto Juárez area, following a drowning incident that occurred under unclear circumstances. Authorities are investigating two conflicting versions of the events.
The first report came in at 9:07 p.m. on Tuesday via a 911 call, alerting to a boat allegedly stranded about three kilometers from Playa Las Perlas in the hotel zone. Firefighters, lifeguards, and maritime personnel were immediately activated. Patrol boats were dispatched from the dock, and additional fuel was supplied as a light in the distance appeared to signal distress.
Upon reaching the marked point, no trace of any vessel was found. The search extended by sea and land, with rough waves complicating rescue efforts. When the operation seemed to be a false report, new information emerged: the people from the boat were at the Playa Tortugas dock.
Authorities moved to the location, where several crew members confirmed they were traveling on the reported stranded boat but that a young man was missing. The first version stated that Ángel fell into the water after a wave shook the boat. The company disembarked them and returned alone to search for him without success.
However, during the night, another version arose, allegedly from witnesses: the young man did not fall accidentally but jumped into the sea to swim to shore and ask for help, though the type of emergency they faced was not specified.
Family members, in tears, confirmed Ángel’s identity and joined the search, which was suspended at 1:20 a.m. due to poor sea conditions and for the safety of personnel.
At 6:00 a.m., efforts resumed, but shortly after, the worst came: the body was found floating near the Puerto Juárez maritime terminal, in front of the Mandinga restaurant. Paramedics only confirmed the death. Forensic experts collected the body and transported it to the morgue.
Although the discovery of the body ended the search phase, the case is far from concluded. The investigation remains open. Both the crew members and the personnel from the company responsible for the boat will be called to testify to clarify what really happened that night.
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