Sea Turtle Volunteers Attacked in Yucatán; Justice Demanded

Mérida, Mexico — A sea turtle conservation effort on the beaches of Sisal turned violent when three volunteers monitoring nests were assaulted by a group of individuals allegedly under the influence of alcohol. The attack occurred on the night of August 9 in an area known as the “palapa of the Maldonado chemicals,” where witnesses reported the assailants beat and kicked the victims—two men and one woman—stole their belongings, and threw their cellphones into the sea.

Bystanders assisted the victims and called for support from various security agencies. However, they reported that the Secretary of the Navy claimed to lack fuel to respond, the state Secretary of Public Security did not dispatch units, and the municipal police of Hunucmá, though they arrived, were overwhelmed by the situation.

The injured were transported to a hospital by municipal paramedics, while the alleged perpetrators, identified by their nicknames, were not detained. The incident has sparked outrage among local communities and environmental organizations, who are demanding justice and immediate action to protect those working to safeguard endangered species.

Institutional Condemnation and Calls for Action

In an official statement, the National School of Higher Studies (ENES), Mérida Unit, strongly condemned the attack, as two of the victims were its students. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to human rights, peace, and environmental protection, urging state authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and increase surveillance in conservation areas to prevent future violence.

ENES Mérida expressed solidarity with the assaulted volunteers and confirmed they are receiving institutional support. The academic community warned that such attacks not only endanger individuals but also threaten biodiversity conservation efforts in Yucatán, particularly in critical areas like sea turtle nesting beaches.

The lack of timely intervention by authorities has raised concerns about the safety of volunteers and the continuity of conservation programs along the coast. Environmental groups emphasize that without adequate protection, these vital initiatives remain at risk.