Background and Context
The Mexican National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has issued a recommendation to the Mexican Navy (Semar) for serious human rights violations committed by its personnel during a maritime surveillance operation in Ahome, Sinaloa. This incident resulted in the death of a fisherman and injuries to two others, including a minor.
The Incident
On September 20, 2023, a Navy vessel collided with a fishing boat in Las Lajitas during an operation involving both the Navy and the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca). The collision caused the death of one fisherman and injured two others.
Navy’s Account
During the operation, the Navy detected several boats apparently fishing shrimp during a closed season. Upon noticing the authorities, the boats retreated into the estuary. An unmarked boat with a “chano” type net was identified, and when attempts were made to stop it, the fishermen ignored orders and tried to evade the Navy, leading to a collision between the boats.
The driver of the unmarked boat jumped into the water and swam to shore, while another person (V2) on the same boat joined them. When questioned, V2 claimed to be fine but denied having identification or fishing permits. The authorities checked the condition of a third fisherman (V3), who was lying on the boat without visible signs of life.
While securing the boat and providing assistance, the authorities observed around 30 boats leaving the estuary. V2 jumped into the water and began swimming. Those on the other boats shouted insults and brandished sticks, prompting the authorities to withdraw to ensure their personnel’s safety.
CNDH’s Findings
The CNDH determined that the Navy personnel’s actions lacked legality and proportionality, as there was no justification for the level of violence used.
The commission emphasized that the fishermen did not pose a threat warranting the use of firearms against them. Instead, they were treated as criminals without any investigation or court order against them.
As a result, the CNDH concluded that the Navy’s conduct constituted serious violations and demanded that competent authorities ensure full compensation, sanction the responsible parties, and provide guarantees of non-recurrence.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the incident about? A Navy vessel collided with a fishing boat in Ahome, Sinaloa, resulting in one fisherman’s death and injuries to two others.
- Who issued the recommendation? The Mexican National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) issued a recommendation to the Mexican Navy (Semar).
- What were the CNDH’s findings? The CNDH found that the Navy personnel’s actions lacked legality and proportionality, as there was no justification for the level of violence used. The fishermen were treated as criminals without any investigation or court order against them.
- What actions were demanded by the CNDH? The CNDH demanded that competent authorities ensure full compensation, sanction the responsible parties, and provide guarantees of non-recurrence.
