Authorities from PROFEPA, CONANP, SEMAR, and the Harbor Master’s Office responded to a reported diesel spill in Magdalena Bay after a boat carrying fuel capsized near the shoreline.
Following a report from CONANP of a possible hydrocarbon leak in the Federal Maritime Land Zone (ZOFEMAT), officials discovered two partially submerged containers, each holding up to 1,000 liters (264 gallons). No visible leaks, fuel stains, or environmental damage were initially detected.
The containers were secured and transferred to a safe location in the navigation channel, where SEMAR personnel recovered them aboard the vessel Escobedo.
Magdalena Bay is a vital marine and coastal ecosystem in northwest Mexico. The presence of hydrocarbons in such areas poses significant risks to birds, marine mammals, fish, and shoreline vegetation due to their toxic properties.
Although no immediate environmental damage was found, PROFEPA will continue monitoring the site, especially during high tides, for potential delayed contamination or oily residue.
Authorities stated, “No fuel stains, iridescence in the water, wildlife mortality, or visible damage to halophytic vegetation or the adjacent ecosystem were detected.”
PROFEPA is calling for a review of the safety protocols and operational standards for fuel transport in protected and ecologically sensitive zones. The agency will work alongside CONANP, SEMAR, and the Harbor Master’s Office to ensure the recovered diesel is handled properly and to prevent future incidents.
Officials are also considering requiring the responsible party to submit a technical report and possible remediation measures should delayed damage or risks emerge.