Cozumel, Q.R. — A group of 17 people were plucked from the sea and returned to land after their boat took on water. The group of tourists were located by elements of the navy approximately 60 meters from the shore of Playa El Cielito Wednesday.
The vessel, Doña Pelusa, left the island of Cozumel carrying the 17 Mexican, Spanish, Colombian, Polish and Dutch passengers. However, shortly after their departure, the boat began to take on water, which caused it to partially sink.
Elements of the Secretaría de Marina (Semar) reported that after receiving the call for assistance, they headed out to sea where they located the sunken vessel off Playa El Cielito.
All 17 passengers were boarded on their navy boat and returned to the island without incident. Navy personnel also reported recovering the extra fuel tanks from the sinking Doña Pelusa to avoid sea contamination.
