Mexican fisherman rescued after 15 days trapped in underwater cenote

Erasto Crisanto Valdez, a 31-year-old fisherman, was rescued alive after spending 15 days trapped in an underwater cenote located near the border of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico. The incident began on July 23 when Valdez became disoriented while pursuing a fish in a complex network of flooded caverns.

Valdez survived by locating a rocky cavity containing a natural air pocket, which allowed him to breathe despite being at a depth of approximately 100 meters. The rescue operation involved specialized divers from the Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina), international experts, and Civil Protection units. He was eventually recovered on August 7 and transported to La Laguna Hospital, where he was treated for severe dehydration and malnutrition.

Following his rescue, authorities in San Francisco La Paz are considering a fine of approximately 10,000 pesos. The potential sanction is due to reports that Valdez was fishing in a prohibited zone at the time of his disappearance. Valdez has stated that his fishing activity was intended solely for self-consumption rather than commercial purposes.