Tragic Loss: Crew Member of “Peyucsa 12” Dies Despite Navy Rescue Efforts

On Thursday, October 10, it was confirmed that the missing boat "Peyucsa 12" was discovered. The vessel had been at sea for 15 days before the onset of Hurricane Milton. Unfortunately, the boat had capsized, with only one person found on board. Tragically, this individual did not survive, and his family has claimed that the Navy failed to rescue him in time.

There is still no information about the other three crew members, and another missing boat, "Halcón I", has yet to be found. "Peyucsa 12" was located 112 nautical miles from the port of Progreso, near Río Lagartos.

On Wednesday night, following the safe return of the boat "Neldy" to the shelter port, "Peyucsa 13" was also recorded as safely docked at La Caleta, with its crew having weathered the storm at Cervera Island before returning to Progreso.

On Thursday, the Navy dispatched a reconnaissance plane, carrying two family members of the missing fishermen. A similar plane from the Secretary of Public Security (SSP) also departed, carrying another relative.

In addition, 10 fishing boats from the cove set out to assist in the search for the missing vessels. It was reported that ships from San Felipe and Río Lagartos would join the search. Meanwhile, anxious family members waited at the dock for news of their loved ones.

The discovery of the capsized "Peyucsa 12", with only one crew member found, was a devastating blow for the waiting families. The fate of the remaining crew members remains unknown.

The Navy released a video showing the moment their plane located the boat, which was 116 nautical miles (214 kilometers) northeast of Progreso and 60 nautical miles (111 kilometers) from Río Lagartos. A Defender-type boat was dispatched to rescue the lone crew member, identified as 20-year-old Lázaro Esquivel Castellanos.

Sadly, by 6 PM on Thursday, Lázaro's family learned of his passing. His mother, Georgina Castellanos, claimed that her son was not rescued in time. According to her, another of her sons was on the plane and witnessed the "Peyucsa 12" breaking apart and sinking, along with Lázaro. This account has not been confirmed by the Navy. Lázaro's brother, Santos Esquivel Castellanos, later recounted the tragic events to his family, stating, "He was 50 miles from Río Lagartos and 150 miles from the port, there are sailors there who could have sent a unit… we were flying over my brother for 5 hours until he lost his strength, he faded and fell."