The Solmar V Swan Song

We wrote in our last issues how scores of divers who paid up to $4k for Solmar V trips to Mexico's Revillagigedo Islands for late 2025 and 2026 found their trips canceled at the last minute with no refunds. On January 15, Pacific Fleet (aka Solmar V, S.A. de C.V.) sent its final goodbye to the divers left in the lurch.

First and foremost, we wish to offer our sincere apologies for the delay between communications. Over the past weeks, our team has worked tirelessly and in good faith to explore every possible alternative to address the serious challenges faced by the Company.

[Remember, this company does not own the boat; they were being paid to run it and were collecting the money perhaps as late as January; whether they kept this money or transferred it to the owner is unclear; the owner discontinued his relationship with them in early December, so all their discussion about what was going on after that seems to be malarkey.]

As many of you are aware, during our November 17-25, 2025 voyage to Socorro, one of our guests suffered a sudden and severe medical emergency. Despite the immediate and professional response of our onboard crew, the medical personnel at the Socorro Marine Base, DAN specialists, the evacuation team, and the hospital staff in Los Cabos, the guest tragically passed away. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this loss.

This event was unexpected, and all parties involved acted with professionalism, diligence, and urgency throughout the situation. Nevertheless, the emotional, operational, and financial consequences that followed placed extraordinary strain on the Company, its management, and its financial partners.

[A person died, but the claim of all the internal problems caused by the death seems highly unlikely; remember, they are not owners.]

Although the Company entered into verbal agreements intended to stabilize operations and continue future voyages, insurmountable issues arose during the implementation of those agreements. These issues ultimately resulted in the termination of our management agreement and the loss of operational control and use of the vessel Solmar V, which has since been relocated from Los Cabos to Mazatlán by its owner.

["Verbal agreement" may be the keyword here; just who was it who backed out? Where is the money?]

As a result, we regret to inform you that Solmar V, S.A. de C.V., together with its affiliates and subsidiaries, has permanently ceased all operations, effective immediately. The Company will no longer operate voyages, accept bookings, or provide travel-related services of any kind . . . .

For clients who purchased travel insurance, this letter may be used as formal confirmation of the Company's cessation of operations to initiate and support insurance claims with the corresponding providers . . . .

Sincerely,
Solmar V, S.A. de C.V.

They offer no reason for failing to offer refunds. And without travel insurance, there is nowhere to turn: forget about a Mexican court, as tracking down the people and corporations involved in this sale would be nearly impossible and financially impractical. That said, the hundreds of thousands of dollars collected remain in someone's pocket, so either the Solmar V buyer or the seller -- smart money says the buyer -- got screwed, along with scores upon scores of divers who paid for a dream trip.

Ben Davison