Water Jet Vessel Rescued at Sea Outside of Chetumal

Kenrick Thomas

A vessel en route to Chetumal from San Pedro on Wednesday night was rescued at sea by the Mexican navy, one mile away from the mainland. The vessel, owned and operated by Water Jets International, was carrying as many as sixty-seven persons onboard when it reportedly began to experience mechanical difficulties as it approached the city on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.  This morning, Lieutenant Kenrick Thomas of the Belize Coast Guard provided additional details of the rescue.

Lt. Kenrick Thomas, Belize Coast Guard

“Last night, our operation received information from the Mexican navy of a distress call within their sea spaces.  It was reported to us that their response led to a successful search and rescue operation and the information shared with us thus far…  The information shared with us was that sometime after seven last night.  The Mexicans reported that the captain of the vessel Water Jets International arrived at the pier in Chetumal and reported that on his voyage from San Pedro to Chetumal his vessel experienced mechanical problems which forced him to anchor one nautical mile off the coast of Chetumal.  He informed the Mexican authorities that onboard the vessel were sixty-seven persons inclusive of passengers and crew and that they were requesting assistance to be brought into mainland Chetumal.  As part of their standard operating practice, the Mexicans hopped into operation and reported to us that they were successful in doing so.  They had in place ambulances and medics ready to provide assistance to the passengers and crew, however, they reported to us that all persons were accounted for and recorded in good health.