The sinking of the galleon Marigalante off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, in Banderas Bay, was announced by the Jalisco State Civil Protection and Fire Department, which confirmed that the incident occurred when the ship began experiencing an abnormal influx of water starting around noon.
The accident was apparently caused by a failure in the bilge pumps, which allowed water to accumulate inside the ship; however, authorities are still investigating the cause.
According to information provided by authorities, the flooding reached 1.5 meters beneath the hull, compromising the vessel’s stability. In response to the emergency, state Civil Protection teams, municipal firefighters, and Navy personnel responded to the scene to attempt to control the situation.
The maneuvers implemented by the experts temporarily stabilized the galleon Marigalante after repairing one of the pumps; however, these actions were not sufficient to prevent the sinking.
Why was the Marigalante Galleon important?
The vessel was a replica of the 16th-century Spanish galleons (large vessels with three or four masts) and was known in the region as a tourist attraction that offered fireworks displays, as well as tours and evening events.
“Built in 1987 and officially launched in 1992 to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of America, the Marigalante was a replica of the Santa María, the ship with which Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic,” reads the statement posted on the page where tickets for the attractions were purchased.
In the same statement, the company mentioned that they would be responsible for the affected workers after the events. Those who had previously purchased tickets were assured that they would be fully reimbursed.
“For those who purchased tickets for future trips on the Marigalante, the company informs them that they will receive a full refund. The official mechanism for carrying out this process in an orderly and secure manner will be announced in the coming days, so please remain attentive to official communication channels.”
Finally, they announced that within two to three months, another vessel, which they called “the sister of the Marigalante,” will be brought to the port to “continue its legacy of history, excitement, and Vallarta pride.”
Source: infobae
