Mexico - Shipwreck Log

On October 10, the floating seafood restaurant El Atracadero was swept away from its moorings on the Tuxpan River at Tuxpan, Mexico. The water level on the river had swelled and overflowed its banks caused from the heavy rains from Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond. The El Atracadero continued to drift down the river and eventually made its way into the Gulf of Mexico and was presumed lost.

The 46-year old restaurant would drift southward in the gulf when it at some point the building split apart. One section that contained the kitchen and bathroom was found near the port of Alvarado some 200 kilometers away from Tuxpan.

The other section containing the dining room was spotted 1 kilometer off the shore of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. The dining room had travelled some 570 kilometers before it eventually beached at Playa El Tesoro.

Mexican Navy has secured both sections of the restaurant to avoid any risk to navigation in the area. Reports state there was no one inside the El Atracadero during the incident. The El Atracadero started in 1979 and known to both locals and tourists for its cuisine.

Marigalante

October 13, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the afternoon of October 10, the wooden 700 ton, 3-masted sailing galleon Marigalante sank in the Pacific Ocean off Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The Marigalante had suffered water ingress after the mechanical failure of the bilge pump. Unable to control the flooding, water rose in the hull. The 9 crew members on board attempted to repair the bilge system, but were unable to stop the flooding. The vessel quickly developed a starboard list and sank a short time later. All the crew on board were safely evacuated and there were no injuries. No details were provided to how much pollution was released.

There was some speculation to the cause of the sinking. The Marigalante had withstood the passing tropical storm Raymond the prior day. However, authorities stated the high winds and large waves from the storm were not the cause of the vessel’s sinking. Mexican authorities did report the sailing vessel suffered structural damage when it sank. There will be an assessment made to see if the Marigalante could be raised and salvaged.

The Marigalante was built in 1982 as a replica to the carvel Santa Maria, the vessel which Christopher Columbus sailed in 1492, and took part of the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in 1992. The vessel had 4 decks and could carry up to 240 passengers. Used in themed tours and nightly shows, the Marigalante continued to be in use in Puerto Vallarta.

Provincia del Azuay

March 18, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the early morning hours of March 17, the 30 meter long, 503 dwt tug Provincia del Azuay (IMO: 9654933) sank in the Gulf of Mexico at its berth in Veracruz, Mexico. The tug suffered uncontrolled water ingress during the night. The two crew onboard were unaware until an audible alarm was sounded which left the crew just minutes to evacuate the vessel. The Provincia del Azuay continued to sink until only part of the wheelhouse and mast was still above water.

Authorities, port employees and local fire fighters arrived on scene and began measures to contain any pollution that might be released. Booms and absorbent pads were placed around the wreck to contain any oil pollution. Reports state the tug had only a small amount of reserve fuel in its tanks at the time of the incident. Authorities have stated there will be an investigation into the incident. Cranes will be brought in to lift and refloat the Provincia del Azuay. No reports of injuries.