Cozumel, Q.R. — A platform that was being relocated off the island of Cozumel to the port of Mahahual partially sank in mid-tow Monday. The platform began to take on water off the island’s eastern coast while it was being towed by another vessel.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred while the platform was being towed by ship Nicole. The Cozumel Port Captaincy had previously issued a nautical notice to the local community regarding the planned operation.
The official statement detailed that the platform lacked its own propulsion and was to be moved from Cozumel to the port of Mahahual with a distance of approximately 25 meters between both vessels.
According to the Harbor Master’s Office, the platform is 9.15 meters long, 8 meters wide, has a depth of 1.78 meters and a gross tonnage of 37,000 GAU, classifying it as a high-capacity vessel for coastal or scientific maneuvers.
However, for reasons still undetermined, platform Nautilus ended up tilting and partially sinking during the tow. The Cozumel platform had been used in the past for coastal studies.
Maritime authorities and technical personnel are analyzing the procedure for refloating or removing the platform. An administrative investigation is also planned to determine whether the sinking was due to structural failure, poor handling during towing, or adverse sea conditions.
