What Crew Members Say About Melody

Severe winds have led to the suspension of unloading operations for the cargo vessel 'Melody' at Puerto Morelos. This decision, made on March 22, was prompted by the challenging maneuvers required to safely discharge stone material from the ship. Authorities, including the Federal Ministry of the Environment and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), are set to intervene in the situation. For more details, you can read the full report [here](https://riviera-maya-news.com/unloading-of-cuban-vessel-at-puerto-morelos-stalled-due-to-winds/2023.html).

The bulk carrier 'Melody', transporting 20,000 tons of porphyry rock from Cuba intended as ballast for Mexico's Mayan Train railways project, has reportedly caused significant damage to coral reefs in an area between two protected marine reserves. Divers discovered that the ship's anchoring efforts adversely affected several corals safeguarded by Mexican law. The anchoring site lies in the sensitive zone connecting the Puerto Morelos reefs and the Gran Caribe reserve. The incident appears to have stemmed from inadequate supervision, resulting in the anchor being dropped onto numerous sponges and displacing the entire anchoring chain several meters. As the vessel moved, the dragging anchor began to break off several corals in the vicinity. Experts suggest that a consultation with local authorities from Puerto Morales could have averted this incident by providing guidance on optimal anchoring practices. Following the coral damage revelation, the 'Melody' was relocated to a position near Cozumel Island, as designated by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas, which presents a larger sandbank with fewer coral species compared to the previous anchoring location. Complaints regarding the environmental impact are being filed through the appropriate channels, as investigations are underway to determine whether any additional damage was inflicted on the protected natural areas of the region, given the known presence of various endangered coral species that were affected. As of March 19, 2023, 'Melody' was anchored at position 20° 47.32' N 086° 53.83' W, close to Puerto Morelos.