Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — Authorities are working to contain an oil spill after an abandoned ferry partially sank in the bay of Isla Mujeres. The rear of the old ferry sank into the sea over the weekend, causing a large surface oil stain.
Retired ferry Sergio Gracia Aguilar partially sank Sunday morning while moored at the cargo dock of the Quintana Roo Integral Port Administration (Apiqroo) in Isla Mujeres. That partial sinking caused a hydrocarbon spill in the bay.
The vessel, which had been out of service since 2018, was docked in the same area for years. On Sunday morning, the stern of the old ferry sank, leaving the vessel half-submerged.
That inclination caused fuel to leak into the sea, which created a visible hydrocarbon stain that quickly spread. Local resident Reggis Ravell captured done footage of the extent of the oil spill across the bay.
Local authorities attempted to contain the spill with containment barriers, however, the slick had already spread.
In a statement, Isla Mujeres City Hall said “the Government of Isla Mujeres, through the Municipal Coordination of Civil Protection and Fire Services, joined the response efforts early this Sunday following the partial sinking of the former ferry Sergio Gracia Aguilar.
The municipal team is providing support to the Secretariat of the Navy and the Port Captaincy, the authorities responsible for managing this incident.
“Upon learning of the situation, Civil Protection and Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene to assist maritime authorities and provide necessary support for the operations surrounding the vessel,” Ayuntamiento de Isla Mujeres reported.
City Hall confirmed that the ferry Sergio Gracia Aguilar, which ceased operations in 2018, had been moored at one of the docks in Isla Mujeres, where it partially sank Sunday morning.
The Municipal Government noted that, while the handling of such incidents falls under the jurisdiction of federal maritime authorities, the municipal administration maintains close coordination with the Secretariat of the Navy and the Port Captaincy, offering the resources of the Civil Protection and Fire Department to assist in the ongoing response efforts.
Furthermore, it was reiterated that municipal personnel will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities, in accordance with their official mandates and as needs arise during the management of this event.
Through these actions, the Government of Isla Mujeres reaffirms its commitment to working in coordination with federal authorities, prioritizing safety and the timely response to any incidents that may occur within the municipality.
No other authority has acknowledged the partial sinking of the vessel or the oil slick it produced throughout Isla Mujeres Bay.
