Another Cozumel Propeller Accident

Amor Armitage, a 37-year-old British yoga instructor, on a diving/snorkeling trip with her husband to Cozumel on December 17, was struck by the propeller of her own boat. Here is her story.

"I was a bit cold and decided to head to the boat to warm up. I swam to the boat ladder, there was music in the boat, and the captain wasn't looking my way.

"When I hold on to the ladder, I pull off a fin, the captain doesn't see me, I suddenly realize the boat has started to move, and I'm unable to say anything; words just aren't coming out.

"Everything seems to be slowing down as I feel the boat's propeller hitting my abdomen, my genitals, and my legs; my body is heavy, and I see the boat moving away from me.

"From my gut comes a visceral scream, asking for help; the captain sees me, but I know I have to swim to the boat, so with cuts all over my body, I manage to swim.

"He tells me I have to climb the ladder; I looked down and saw my insides; I feel there is no way I can get up on my own."

Amor thought she would die at that point, but her husband surfaced, and his encouraging comments kept her going. "He did his best to keep me with him, and I really feel that without my angel, Chase, I wouldn't be here today."

Amor was transported to the intensive care unit at Cozumel International Hospital after being brought ashore in an ambulance. Amor's bones and tendons were rebuilt and attached during a four-hour surgery. Additionally, she had surgery on her "totally messed up" inner thigh.

An official will look into the incident, according to a source with the Cozumel Harbor Master.

Not having insurance, they are seeking ways to raise the more than $70,000 hospital bill.

- www.medicotopics.com