Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — The Mexican Navy rescued a boat and its crew over 50 nautical miles off the island of Isla Mujeres Monday. On Tuesday, the Navy said the rescue took place after they received a report of a drifting vessel with seven on board.
“This action was carried out after the Fifth Naval Region’s Command and Control Center received a report that seven people (five men and two women) aboard a vessel were adrift,” they said.
The boat began to drift when the engine failed. Personnel from the Mexican Navy set out in search of the boat, locating it approximately 55 nautical miles (102 km) north of Isla Mujeres.
“An interceptor vessel with Marine Corps and Naval Medical personnel on board was immediately dispatched to safeguard human life at sea,” they reported.
“The rescued individuals were located and, upon medical examination, were found to be suffering from first-degree burns, sunstroke and dehydration.”
The boat was located and towed to Puerto Juarez around 4:00 p.m. Personnel transferred all seven to the Puerto Juárez Naval Station to continue receiving specialized medical care. Authorities did not say how long they were adrift before finally being rescued.
