Manolo Acuña Zepeda, a beloved divemaster in Cozumel, risked his life to save others. Thanks to his selfless actions, divers’ lives were saved—but he now faces multiple surgeries and a long road to recovery.
In July, 2025, Manolo heroically pushed a group of divers out of the path of an oncoming speedboat that was illegally operating at high speed over Yucab Reef inside the protected marine park. In doing so, he was struck by the boat and severely injured by its propellers. This happened even though he had his personal surface marker buoy (SMB) up to alert boats that divers were below or on the surface.
Due to extensive injuries to his legs, lower back, and ankles, his medical expenses have already surpassed
1,000,000 pesos (about $54,000 USD). A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Manolo and his
family pay hospital bills: Gofundme.
Thankfully, he is now home, but his recovery will take many more months. Every donation—no matter how
small—goes directly to supporting Manolo’s surgeries, treatment, and rehabilitation. Please consider a
contribution to help Manolo, whose actions and dedication to his profession saved all of the divers on his boat.
He is a rare man of courage. Gofundme
