Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — A tourist vessel went up in flames Friday evening off the west side of the island. The 8:00 p.m. boat fire could easily be seen from the island’s main roads due to its close proximity to land.
Those on board reportedly tried in vain to put the fire out with extinguishers, however, they were not successful. Isla Mujeres emergency services made up of firemen and Civil Protection arrived at the burning vessel by a Navy boat.
There, the two crew and six tourists from onboard Dominic were rescued. A passing Ultramar ferry, along with other private vessels, stopped to try and help put out the fire. The fire, which started below deck in the center of the boat, quickly spread, consuming the entire vessel.
According to Coordinación Estatal de Protección Civil, there were no injures or fuel spill reported.
In a statement, State Coordination of Civil Protection reported “in relation to the events that occurred in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, the boat called “Dominic” suffered a fire where the crew and six tourists were unharmed.
“Thanks to the quick intervention of the Secretary of the Navy (SEMAR), the Ultramar company, APIQROO, staff of the Isla Mujeres municipality and the solidarity of the citizens, all those involved were evacuated without suffering injuries.
“In addition to the rescue efforts, it is reported that there was no hydrocarbon spill.”
