The Catastrophe of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco

On a fateful day, Acapulco faced one of its most devastating natural disasters, the monstrous Hurricane Otis. Eyewitness accounts and local testimonies paint a vivid picture of the horror that unfolded and the overwhelming force of nature that took many by surprise.

Estrella Cid reported two PEMEX tugboats that ran aground near La Roqueta with crews on board: seven on one and five on the other. All were rescued by SEMAR. Those rescued recounted it as the most horrifying experience of their lives. Another vessel, the Acarey, is believed to have succumbed to the storm's fury, with some saying the wind lifted it into the air, breaking it into pieces near the boardwalk where it was anchored.

One of the tragic realities of maritime protocol during storms is that captains and crews often stay aboard their vessels. This is usually to ensure they can control the ship, preventing it from crashing into others during common storms or hurricanes. However, Hurricane Otis was no common storm, and many underestimated its unprecedented power. It was described as a "monster" unlike any other, with its Category 5 status making it the most powerful to ever hit the Pacific coast.

Libertad Osorio echoed similar sentiments, stating that the air lifted some boats, tearing them apart. She further noted the misconception about bodies immediately sinking to the ocean floor; they usually float for two to three days before sinking.

Many locals debate whether staying on the boats was an act of irresponsibility or responsibility. Tadeo Manuel Magdaleno expressed that it's the owners', captains', and sailors' duty to care for their vessels every rainy and hurricane season since it's their livelihood. However, the unexpected magnitude of Otis left over 90% of the yachts in Acapulco destroyed, with approximately 80% having had their captain, sailor, owner, or even family on board.

Mary De La Vega mentioned that the port was closed, with no exits, and guards always had to be kept on the boats. Sadly, everything spiraled out of control, and no one expected the catastrophe that ensued. She shared her grief about colleagues and friends who passed away, still finding it hard to believe.

Georgi Rey-Na sadly recalled that a friend's brother and another friend's relative were found after the storm. She reminisced about meeting the captain and crew when she used to work at the boardwalk. Jessy Salgado, a young man from Puebla, was among those whose bodies were found. He worked on one of the boats and is remembered with deep sorrow.

In conclusion, Hurricane Otis will remain a tragic memory in the history of Acapulco. As the city rebuilds and heals, the lost souls will always be remembered, and the discussions about responsibility versus irresponsibility in the face of Mother Nature's wrath will continue. The community's plea is clear: let's unite in prayers, praises, cleaning the streets, and supporting those who are helping in the aftermath.