Juan Carlos Calderón, a journalist who was traveling with his family on the boat that sank on February 19th in Galápagos, shared a shocking account of the incident where none of the 29 passengers on board were wearing life jackets. Despite the boat having collided with rocks and running with only one of its engines functional, no safety measures were suggested to the passengers. This marks the second boat incident in the last eight months near Tortuga Bay, prompting a review of the enforcement of safety regulations in the area.

In a prior incident in June 2025, 28 individuals were rescued after falling into the water due to an accident. However, in the more recent incident, the captain tragically lost his life. Clear protocols are established for the archipelago that tourist and maritime service companies are required to adhere to, and authorities are responsible for overseeing compliance with these regulations. The recent incidents, along with several other minor complaints circulating on social media in different areas, have raised significant alarms regarding maritime safety.

The lack of adherence to safety regulations not only endangers lives but also raises questions about the preparedness and responsiveness of tour operators and maritime service companies. As tourism is a vital component of Galápagos' economy, ensuring the safety of visitors is paramount. Authorities must take immediate action to enforce safety protocols more strictly to prevent such tragedies from recurring and to maintain the integrity of the tourism industry in this unique ecological region.