BCS Pushes for Stricter Regulation of Minors in Maritime Transport Following Incident in La Paz

La Paz, Baja California Sur.- The Government of Baja California Sur will seek to implement stricter regulations for the maritime transport of minors. This action comes as a direct response to a recent incident in which 28 youths, a majority of them minors, were allegedly abandoned on Isla Espíritu Santo by a tourism service provider.

The state governor, Víctor Castro Cosío, instructed the Secretary-General of Government, Saúl González, to begin working groups with the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) and the Port Captaincy.

The objective is to establish new guidelines that require nautical service providers to formally register all passengers, especially minors, before departing.

This incident has highlighted a gap in the regulation of nautical tourism, a vital business sector for La Paz and Los Cabos. The lack of a passenger manifest hinders emergency responses and exposes a lack of supervision over who is traveling.

The proposal aims to guarantee the safety of young people and ensure that tour operators act with full responsibility. The implementation of a mandatory registration system or travel log that includes the identity of minors and parental consent is being contemplated.

This measure not only seeks to prevent future incidents but also to strengthen Baja California Sur's image as a safe and orderly destination. By regulating this aspect of the tourism business, it protects both the user and the reputation of companies that do comply with high service standards.