A new tragedy struck the fishing community just as they approached the final stretch before the “octopus fever” season, which is set to begin in August and represents a way out of the difficulties faced by over ten thousand fishermen across the peninsula.
An offshore operation was launched due to malfunctions on a coastal vessel that left a boat adrift during the early hours of Sunday morning while conducting fishing operations. The vessel in question was the “Don Luis F,” which began sinking in the early hours of its Sunday journey, approximately 42 nautical miles north of Progreso, according to reports from the “Valdez” base, which received the distress call to rescue the three crew members on board.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. when one of the seafarers noticed a breakdown in the boat’s engine. Additionally, two planks detached from the structure, leading to a significant influx of water.
Upon realizing the situation, the fishermen radioed for help, and the “Valdez” base alerted the Navy’s thirteenth naval zone to launch an offshore operation to save their lives.
An immediate departure of a “Defender” type vessel with personnel from the Yucalpetén Naval Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance Station (ENSAR) was ordered as time was of the essence to prevent any loss of life.
In the minutes before the arrival of the naval team, the three fishermen chose to remain aboard a small life raft. At approximately 3 a.m., they witnessed the complete sinking of the vessel, causing one of them to experience a panic attack.
Upon reaching the location of the incident, about fifty miles from the municipality, the crew proceeded with the rescue of the fishermen, ensuring they received urgent medical attention after an incident that put their lives at risk.
Once their families were located, they departed from the naval station on their own, only lamenting the loss of their work tool, which was destroyed. They will need to make a significant investment in a new vessel for future trips during the upcoming octopus season, which begins in less than twenty days. This season is crucial for improving the economic stability that has been on the decline, especially for coastal fishermen.
TYT Newsroom
