Cozumel Dive Guide Critically Injured in July Propeller Strike as Nautical Leaders Question Early Accounts

A serious diving accident off Cozumel that left a dive guide critically injured in July 2025 has re-entered the spotlight, after regional nautical leaders and boat-operator representatives publicly questioned elements of the original narrative while official investigations remain ongoing.

What happened in July

As The Scuba News first reported in July, an experienced dive guide was struck by a vessel’s propeller during operations near Yucab Reef, a heavily trafficked site within the marine park. The guide sustained severe injuries and was rushed for emergency treatment, prompting an outpouring of support from the local and international dive community. Our original coverage documented witness accounts, the immediate medical response, and early concerns about boat movements through an active dive area, as detailed in The Scuba News’ July report embedded on the article title itself.

Who is questioning the early accounts

In late December, nautical industry representatives in Cozumel, quoted by Riviera Maya News, challenged aspects of those early accounts. A senior figure from the local nautical sector argued publicly that diver conduct should be examined, suggesting the injured guide may have surfaced outside expected procedures. Those remarks have effectively reframed public discussion from a boat-traffic safety issue to a debate over diver responsibility.

Crucially, these comments did not come from maritime investigators or prosecutors, but from industry leadership representing boat operators, a distinction that has been emphasised by dive professionals concerned about conclusions being drawn ahead of formal findings.

Why the narrative matters

Dive operators, instructors, and safety advocates note that assigning fault publicly before an investigation concludesrisks obscuring the broader safety context at busy reefs like Yucab. The July reporting highlighted the importance of controlled boat speeds, active lookouts, clear exclusion zones, and surface awareness during live dive operations. Those factors remain central to the case and are expected to be examined by authorities.

Several Cozumel-based dive professionals have privately expressed concern that focusing solely on diver actions oversimplifies a complex operating environment where multiple vessels, varying levels of training, and high tourism pressure intersect daily.

Investigation still ongoing

At the time of writing, no official determination of responsibility has been released by maritime or park authorities. The inquiry is expected to assess vessel movements, compliance with marine-park regulations, surface marker use, lookout effectiveness, and communications between boats and dive groups.

For the injured guide, recovery continues to be long and uncertain. For the wider dive industry, the case has become a flashpoint for renewed calls to strengthen enforcement around active dive sites and to resist speculation until evidence-based conclusions are reached.

The Scuba News will continue to follow the investigation and report further developments as verified information becomes available.