Costa Maya, Q.R. — The Navy of Mexico is participating in the search and possible rescue of a vessel reported missing. The makeshift boat, which is sailing without a name or registration, left the island of Cuba in precarious conditions.
According to an official statement, Mexican authorities received the alert after contact was with the Cuban boat was lost. The Navy says they have been searching for the vessel for more than 24 hours. The boat left the island of Cuba five days ago.
Marina personnel say that eight Cuban nationals, four men and four women, are known to be on board, all of whom were heading for Mexico. Since receiving the report of the missing boat, the Marina of Mexico deployed surface units and specialized personnel to conduct patrols in the maritime zone near Quintana Roo.
At the moment, search efforts are being concentrated in the Banco Chinchorro area, an island area east of the town of Mahahual. According to the Marina, “the operations are being carried out in accordance with search and rescue protocols, with the objective of safeguarding human life at sea.
“The whereabouts of the eight occupants, who allegedly departed from Cuba on an irregular voyage to Mexican territory have not yet been confirmed,” they reported Saturday.
“Attention to the Maritime and Port Community in General: The Port Captaincy of Isla Mujeres hereby reports the search for a vessel with no name or registration number and eight foreign crew members, who departed from Cuba approximately five days ago,” the Navy said in their search notice.
The Port Captain of Isla Mujeres, María Dolores Cobela Vargas, also issued an alert: “The aforementioned vessel is considered a search and rescue operation and all necessary precautions should be taken to safeguard human life at sea.”
The public is asked to “be vigilant while navigating and report any sightings of the aforementioned vessel to the nearest Port Captain’s office on VHF radio channel 16 or call 998-877-00-95 with any questions.”
