A timely miracle

[Chupacabras]

Fishermen in "La Manga" (a fishermen settlement in Guaymas) just found a big Virgin Mary statue underwater. The fishermen consider this finding an historic fact and a blessing, since it happens the day before the shrimp season opens (shrimp is their best-selling product).

However, about 5 years ago, the divers of San Carlos, a touristic spot, actually sunk the 10-feet, 2.5 ton statue so it became a major attraction. However, the fishermen won't let go: "How is it possible", they reason, "that now that we have it, some people come forward and claim they own it".

As the matter settles, Javier Cordova, the one who found the statue, is kept in jail for treaspassing.

The San Carlos BB: http://pub8.bravenet.com/forum/649281070/show/698149
El Vigia newspaper (Spanish): http://www.elvigia.com.mx/2007/local/septiembre/180907b.htm

[Gord_in_Toronto]

I find this sort of sad for many reasons.

Oh, the injuries that belief causes.

[Beerina]

However, about 5 years ago, the divers of San Carlos, a touristic spot, actually sunk the 10-feet, 2.5 ton statue so it became a major attraction. However, the fishermen won't let go: "How is it possible", they reason, "that now that we have it, some people come forward and claim they own it".

Reminiscent of Randi reproducing psychic tricks for credophile researchers, who then conclude he must actually have psychic powers, but is lying about them, claiming they're mundane prestidigitation.

[triadboy]

...just found a big Virgin Mary statue underwater. The fishermen consider this finding ... a blessing, since it happens the day before the shrimp season opens (shrimp is their best-selling product).


Why would a virgin be a blessing for shrimp season? It's like finding a statue of John Holmes at a convent - except the opposite.

[madurobob]

I am embarrassed to say I cannot read Spanish. And, babelfish is, well, not always helpful (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=93111).

So, did the shrimper find the statue while he was out in his shrimp boat before the legal start of the season... on private property?

I think I'd yell "hey look at this amazing statue" in that situation, too.

[Chupacabras]

Why would a virgin be a blessing for shrimp season?

Well, as the story unfolds, the first day of shrim turned a very bad day, and a bad omen according to experienced fishermen.

madurobob, they found the statue while diving. At sea, it is in Federal jurisdiction, and they are mandated to notify the Harbour Master of the finding, which they didn't.

The story unfolded a bit more during this day:

The mother of the divers said "We don't want to know to whom it belongs, we want it to stay here, besides, the Bishop said it was going to stay here, that said we don't want to hear anything else, she's going to stay here". Residents of La Manga disclosed that the bishop told them the virgin could have been made around 1,700 and probably was brought aboard a Spanish Galleon. Of course, even if this was true, it would be a treasure that the law requires even more so that it be turned in.

The Association of service providers - the ones who paid for the statue to be made and put into the sea - is negotiating and, they said, are willing to go into a legal fight so it is returned to place. The fishermen at La Manga watch the statue day and night so it won't be taken from them.

Newspaper (Spanish) http://www.elvigia.com.mx/2007/local/septiembre/190907e.htm

Photos! - http://vivasancarlos.com/church/lamanga-virgin.html Be sure to read the captions!