Bacalar, Q.R. — Marina personnel rescued 11 people from a sinking vessel on a section of the Bacalar lagoon Sunday. In an evening search and rescue effort, Marina personnel headed to the Pirate’s Channel of the Bacalar lagoon in response to a request for assistance.
According to the Secretariat of the Navy, personnel were deployed via the Eleventh Naval Zone in coordination with the Naval Search, Rescue and Maritime Surveillance Station (ENSAR) in Chetumal and the Chetumal Harbor Master’s Office to located a recreational vessel named Santita shortly before 8:00 p.m.
The Mexican Navy’s Search and Rescue System was activated, deploying a small boat and a jet ski to locate the sinking vessel. The five minors and six adults were located and safely returned to the Aserradero dock. The boat was towed later.
In their report, the Secretariat of the Navy said Santita suffered a hull failure, which caused it to take on water. There were no injuries reported.
In a statement Monday, the Secretariat said that the Mexican Navy, via the Eleventh Naval Zone, in coordination with the Naval Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance Station (ENSAR) in Chetumal and the Chetumal Harbor Master’s Office, reports that yesterday, as part of “Operation Lifeguard Summer 2025,” 11 people were rescued from a recreational vessel named Santita, on the Bacalar Lagoon, Quintana Roo.
This action was carried out when ENSAR received an alert from the Chetumal Harbor Master’s Office indicating that the aforementioned recreational vessel with 11 people on board (five minors and six adults), located in the Pirates’ Channel, Bacalar Lagoon, suffered a hull failure, causing a leak.
Therefore, the Mexican Navy’s Search and Rescue System was activated, deploying a small boat and a jet ski with rescue personnel to safeguard human life at sea. Upon arriving at the rescue area, the jet ski was used to transfer from the disabled vessel to a safe small vessel belonging to the Chetumal Harbor Master’s Office.
The rescued individuals did not require medical attention and were taken to the dock of El Aserradero municipal beach resort. The Secretariat of the Navy reaffirms its permanent commitment to the citizenry with the mission of ensuring the safeguarding of human life at sea.
