32-Meter Super Yacht Submerges Partially in Isla Mujeres, Mexico: Here's What You Should Know

by JLMMARINE 08 Oct 2024

Unattended Yacht Illusions Sinking Incident at Isla Mujeres

On the morning of August 11th, a 31.7-meter motor yacht named 'Illusions' berthed near the Romeo packing factory at Isla Mujeres in Mexico, sank partially while unattended. The personnel from the Ninth Naval Zone of the local navy were the first respondents.

Residents of the island noticed the yacht taking on water on the night of August 10th and immediately alerted the authorities. These authorities initiated an environmental control operation to avoid pollution from seawater. By Sunday morning, the yacht Illusions was partially submerged, and both the marine environmental protection department and Isla Mujeres' port authority responded on Monday morning.

Anti-Pollution Measures and Responsibility

Local media reported that the operation involved installing an oil barrier to prevent potential fuel leakage into the water. Naval personnel said the yacht was docked near the Romeo Packing factory. The reasons for sinking remain unclear. However, The Port Authority's office has notified the owner of the Illusions yacht, advising him to salvage the yacht and making it mandatory for him to address the issues resulting from the yacht's sinking. No casualties have been reported so far.

Background of The Yacht Illusions

The yacht Illusions was originally delivered in 1991 by the Italian shipyard Versilcraft, with both exterior and interior designs by Antonio Maggini. As one of Versilcraft's Super Challenger models, the yacht features five cabins that can accommodate up to ten guests.

Formerly known as 'Bondo,' this flybridge yacht is powered by two Detroit diesel engines, providing a cruising speed of 15 knots and a maximum speed of up to 25 knots. Benefiting from refurbishments in 1996, 2005, and 2008, the yacht's stern area had been expanded.

Lessons from The Incident

This unfortunate event highlights the crucial importance of diligent maintenance, regular supervision, and prompt emergency response to avert potential environmental damage and ensure safety. Boat owners are urged to take these points into consideration.

Hi—I’m Jim Walker

I grew up in a Florida boatyard, earning pocket money (and a few scars) by rebuilding outboard carbs before I could drive. That hands-on habit carried me through a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, where I studied how salt water quietly murders metal.

I spent ten years designing cooling systems for high-horsepower outboards, then joined JLM Marine as CTO. We bench-test every new part in the lab, but I still bolt early prototypes onto my own 23-foot skiff for a weekend shake-down— nothing beats real wake and spray for finding weak spots.

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