Cozumel News May 21, 2014

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Cozumel News May 21, 2014: Yacht Sinks in Punta Sur, a Firearm Exchange Program, and everything is a go for The Sacred Mayan Journey! This month’s savings from our sponsors are a free Margarita, a free pedicure, and free Avocado Fries!

Yacht Sinks

Por Esto reported on the 20^th that a boat sank in the area of Punta Sur that was carrying tourist divers. Everyone on board was safe and sound. The Harbor Master received a radio call around twenty minutes to one in the afternoon from the Captain of a boat identified as “Fierro Viejo”, that a boat called Albatros had completely sank in Punta Sur. All on board were reported to be safe and transferred to a nearby boat named “Real Music” that happened to be in the vicinity. No coordinates were given.

Alfonso Rodríguez Loaiza

The port notified Naval Station Search and Rescue who immediately dispatched a vessel to investigate. The Naval Station reported that the vessel was a 42 foot boat registered to a Cozumel Snorkel & Sunset and was at Punta Sur providing diving services. On board the Albatros Charters Vessel were the Captain, Rafael Moo, three crew members and two tourists. The tourists and crew were transported to Puerto de Abrigo, at their request. This is where the Albatros operated from.

The Harbor Master says there are two major reasons to raise the Albatros from the approximately 35 meters of sea it is under. Most important, the vessel must be raised to prevent contamination of the sea by oil and fuel. The second reason is the expensive engines on the Albatros would be operable again after a good cleaning and lubricating.

As to the cause of the sinking, he thinks that a valve breaking or something else unforeseen.  At the Marine Sector, the assumption is that there was a break in the exhaust of the jet engine, causing it to take on water in the boat.

No information will be available on the cause until the Captain turns in a report. Until that time, they cannot determine a cause, if there is a fine, neglect or an accident, etc.

The Naval Sector reported that the location of the dive shop “Albatros Charters” is reported to be on the Avenue Rafael E. Melgar south between 5 and 7, although store employees in the area denied knowing them, and you do not see any site with the logo of the business at that point.

Firearm Exchange Program

I was surprised to read in both Por Esto and Novedades about a firearm exchange program. Minneapolis, where my husband was in Law Enforcement for over 30 years had one, I just never think of our island paradise as a place of gun bearing people. It is a good reminder that while Cozumel is one of the safest places in Mexico, and definitely safer than back in Minneapolis, people are still people and we must all use common sense and take reasonable precautions.

The “Exchange of Firearms for a Safer Quintana Roo” program is to try to reduce the use and possession of dangerous devices on the island, prevent crimes and avoid accidents by inexperienced people.  The amount of weapons entering or circulating in Cozumel is unknown by the Department of Defense.

An Arms Exchange Module was set up yesterday morning, in the Inviqroo Park, located on Avenida 70, between 3rd street south and José María Morelos by Municipal and Military authorities.  People who deliver weapons and ammunition will not be investigated; however, in return receive cash or food supplies, depending on the type and size of the artifact. The authorities stress that there are no questions asked, no legal liabilities, or investigation of anyone participating. The program will be active until next Friday.

René Garcia Carranza

René Garcia Carranza, commander of the military garrison in Cozumel, said the campaign aims to reduce crime rates and eradicate the illicit possession and carrying of firearms.

In 2013, the Department of Defense received two handguns, three long guns, two magazines and 839 rounds of ammunition.

So far this year, the exchange program has secured and destroyed a defensive Granada, one type Stun Granada, a handgun and 886 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.

The next scheduled Exchanges will be on June 13-17 at the Hundido Park Colony Cuzamil, and December 8-12 at the Municipal Palace (City Hall).

 Mention “The Cozumel Sun” at La Rumba Cozumel

Sacred Mayan Journey

The Director of the Foundation of Parks and Museums of Cozumel (FPYMC), Jorge Alberto Martín Azueta, announced that the temples are about to be erected at the Laguna in Chankanaab Park that will host the eighth edition of the Sacred Mayan Journey 2014. Tickets and bracelets are available for those wishing to go to The Night of Jubilation in the “Oracle of Ixchebeyax” on Friday, May 23rd.

The Sacred Mayan Journey is an event that recreates one of the most ancient traditions of the Mayan culture; the annual pilgrimage of the Mayan oarsmen, who braved the ocean on their canoes and crossed to the island of Cozumel. They did it to worship the Goddess Ixchel by taking her offerings in search of her divine message for the Mayan people.

This year’s recreation will take place May 22nd, through the 24th. The Opening ceremony will take place in X’Caret Park on the 22nd. Early morning on the 23rd, some 350 canoes will leave from Playa del Carmen, arriving in Cozumel mid-day. The participants are from Solidaridad (Playa ), Tulum, and Cozumel. Cozumel has 15 women and 15 men  representing our island this year. That evening a traditional ceremony will be reenacted in Chankanaab Park. Early on the morning of the 24th, the canoes will start their trip back to the mainland.

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