Sinking of Sea Star Catamaran Update
The Ministry of Communications and Transportation has declared that the sinking of the catamaran the "Sea Star" which took the life of a young woman and destroyed protected coral reefs was caused by human error. The local media states that the captain of the ship was inexperienced in the region of the reef and did not understand the depths of the water and the effect of the waves. It was his first time navigating in the area. The boat itself was not overloaded for normal use, but in the shallow and tricky waters of the reef, it was approved for only 83 people by the port master. In actuality it was carrying 215 passengers, and the company only reported 63. In addition, it is alleged that the company running the tour deliberately underreported the number of people on the boat to avoid paying fees required to visit the protected reef.
Amidst allegations of corruption and deceit, the Ministry has dismissed top port officials from office, including Captain Vicente Martinez Morales of the Captaincy of Puerto Juarez and Delegate Captain of the Port of Isla Mujeres, Jose Luis Ibarra Rojo. The captain of the "Sea Star" will be suspended immediately and will lose his permission to navigate in the coastal waters. The "Sea Star" itself has lost its license and the company who operated the catamaran is suspended and will not be allowed to operate until a full investigation is completed. A fine will also be implemented by the SCT to a maximum of 50 000 pesos.
It appears that the SCT will not be the only ones to punish those responsible for this accident. There will likely be fines and levies for the damage to the reef, and quite possibly murder charges in the death of Lisa Chung. PROFEPA (environmental protection agency) and the prosecuting attorney's office are still investigating and have not released final reports.
Amidst allegations of corruption and deceit, the Ministry has dismissed top port officials from office, including Captain Vicente Martinez Morales of the Captaincy of Puerto Juarez and Delegate Captain of the Port of Isla Mujeres, Jose Luis Ibarra Rojo. The captain of the "Sea Star" will be suspended immediately and will lose his permission to navigate in the coastal waters. The "Sea Star" itself has lost its license and the company who operated the catamaran is suspended and will not be allowed to operate until a full investigation is completed. A fine will also be implemented by the SCT to a maximum of 50 000 pesos.
It appears that the SCT will not be the only ones to punish those responsible for this accident. There will likely be fines and levies for the damage to the reef, and quite possibly murder charges in the death of Lisa Chung. PROFEPA (environmental protection agency) and the prosecuting attorney's office are still investigating and have not released final reports.
Comments
Thanks for the update Kelly.
Harvestmoon- Yes, yes we are. It was revealed that the port masters that were "dismissed" have only been transferred out of state until more investigating can be done. Sigh.....
Laura- I am impressed too. I knew the governor was highly concerned about the effect this would have on tourism, so he has made it a priority to get things straight ASAP. As you know, "ASAP" is something that is difficult to come by in Mexico. :)