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Investigation started into Isla Mujeres boat accident that left three dead

Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — An investigation has been started into the accident that claimed the lives of three people Tuesday off the coast of Isla Mujeres. The State Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into those responsible for the overloading of the vessel that sank, leaving three dead and seven in hospital.

On Tuesday, the 26-foot-long boat Rosa Coral set sail with 15 people on board. The vessel, which has a maximum capacity for 12, experienced engine failure and was left drifting in the open sea where it took on water from high waves.

The boat eventually sank, dumping all 15 into the sea. Two people, a crew member and the boat’s captain, swam to a nearby cliff area. Ten others were pulled from the water by nearby boats, while three were left unaccounted for.

By day’s end, the bodies of a 45-year-old man, a 32-year-old woman and a 6-year-old boy were found drowned. Reports say none of the boat’s passengers were located with life jackets.

Christian Montenegro, head of the Isla Mujeres Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the discovery of the three bodies and the beginning of their homicide investigation. The bodies of the man and child were located by search and recovery teams within two hours of the sinking.

The third body was located by search teams approximately 400 meters from the coast later in the day. Seven of the boat’s passengers were transferred to Cancun hospital. Five are said to be stable and two, in serious condition.

Montenegro reported that the boat’s passengers were a family of tourists from Acanceh, Yucatán who rented a fishing tour boat that sailed from the center of the island to a restaurant where they ate, then onward to Punta Sur where the accident happened.

Captain Mario Martinez, head of the Harbor Master Office has also confirmed that there were 15 people aboard Rosa Coral, who was traveling with 13 passengers and two crew, but added he was not able to go into detail since the accident was an ongoing investigation.