Progreso, Yucatan, Q.R. — Three Yucatan fishermen were taken into legal custody Tuesday after requesting help. Federal officials arrested the three fishermen after finding an illegal catch on their boat.
The incident happened Tuesday off the coast of Progreso when Navy personnel responded to a request for assistance at sea. The Navy vessel was patrolling the coast when they came upon the small boat that had run out of fuel.
While assisting the three men, federal inspectors were called in to board the vessel and conduct a search since the boat was found without any identifying information. On board they located fishing gear, a false bottom and poached snail.
Navy personnel made the arrest in coordination with personnel from the Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca (CONAPESCA) who performed the inspection. In a statement, officials reported “three people, fishing gear and marine products were seized during a closed season as part of efforts to combat illegal fishing and the predation of protected species on Pérez Island, Yucatán (Arrecife Alacranes).
“This action was carried out when naval personnel belonging to the Isla Pérez detachment sighted a smaller Imemsa-type vessel with three crew members, who requested support, mentioning that a few days ago they had left Caleta de Progreso, Yucatán, without being able to return to port due to not having enough fuel.
“Upon inspection of the vessel, it was observed that it had no name or registration, and fishing gear was found inside. A vessel belonging to this Naval Command was ordered to set sail with qualified personnel to conduct a thorough inspection in coordination with CONAPESCA and the Federal Maritime Protection Service.
“The vessel was found to have a false bottom, containing approximately 132 kilograms of queen conch, a species under permanent ban. As a result, the corresponding reports were drawn up and the three fishermen were arrested.
“The detainees, the seafood, the small vessel, and various seized items were handed over to the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) for further investigation.”
