A Mexican Billionaire's Yacht Was Used to Rescue Migrants in the Mediterranean

A yacht owned by Mexico’s Bailleres family aided migrants fell off a fishing boat off the coast of Greece.

A yacht belonging to one of Mexico's wealthiest families played a crucial part in the rescue operation of approximately 106 migrants from a capsized vessel in the Mediterranean Sea.

According to reports from the Greek Coast Guard and local outlets, the Mayan Queen IV yacht, registered under the late Alberto Bailleres, came to the aid of migrants who had fallen off a fishing boat near the coast of Greece. This unexpected assistance offered a glimmer of hope amidst a tragedy that claimed the lives of at least 79 migrants, as reported by El Pais.

Alberto Bailleres, fondly known as Mexico's "King of Silver," passed away in February 2022 at the age of 90. Throughout his lifetime, he amassed a vast fortune, becoming the owner of the world's largest refined silver company. His net worth was estimated at $8.5 billion at the time of his passing, making him the fourth-richest individual in Mexico, as stated by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The rescue mission in the Mediterranean involved multiple vessels, with at least three boats, including the Mayan Queen IV, playing a vital role in saving lives. The tragic capsizing occurred as the migrants attempted to reach Italy from Libya.

What we know so far.

The ship sailed from Tobruk, Libya, with Italy as its final destination. It was carrying 750 people, according to NGOs, but sank in international waters near Pylos, Greece

So far, 79 bodies have been found, while 104 people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria and Palestine have been rescued. Twenty-six of them have been hospitalized with hypothermia and minor wounds.

Hundreds are still missing, and the bodies are being transported to Corinth for a forensic examination

According to their testimonies, the captain abandoned them in the middle of the sea, they had run out of water, and there were already six dead people on board, but NGOs were able to locate the ship and alert the authorities