Fishermen Recovered U.S. Navy Torpedo Near Ensenada
A practice torpedo lost during training was retrieved by Mexican authorities after drifting into international waters.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Mexico
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Local fishermen recovered a nonexplosive U.S. Navy MK 54 REXTORP practice torpedo near Ensenada, Mexico. The device had been drifting since it was lost during a training exercise off the coast of California earlier this month.
Why it matters
The recovery follows a search effort that was initially hampered by poor weather conditions and the expiration of the device's internal location battery. The event highlights the logistical challenges of oceanic training operations and the international cooperation required for equipment recovery.
The recovered device is a nonexplosive MK 54 REXTORP practice torpedo. It was located 20 nautical miles southwest of Ensenada after being lost 18 nautical miles west of San Clemente Island.
The players
U.S. Navy
This military branch is responsible for the operation and maintenance of maritime training exercises.
Mexican Navy
This maritime force is responsible for the protection and administration of Mexican territorial waters.
The details
Fishermen spotted the adrift torpedo on September 16 and reported it to the Mexican Navy, which dispatched a small boat to secure the object. The torpedo was held at the facilities of the Second Naval Zone before being returned to U.S. authorities.
Timeline
The U.S. Navy lost the torpedo during training on September 2, 2026.
Fishermen spotted the adrift torpedo on September 16, 2026.
The Mexican Navy recovered the device during the week of September 14-20, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This incident follows the established procedures for international equipment recovery between maritime neighbors. It underscores the ongoing coordination between the U.S. and Mexican naval authorities regarding activities in shared or adjacent coastal zones.
Travelers and boaters in the coastal regions near Ensenada should maintain standard vigilance when navigating offshore waters. There are no restrictions on recreational activity, as the device was confirmed to be a nonexplosive practice unit.
The takeaway
The successful retrieval of the practice torpedo demonstrates the effectiveness of communication between local fishermen and regional naval authorities. This incident serves as a reminder of the vast, complex nature of maritime logistics and the importance of international cooperation in ocean safety.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest news from Mexico.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mexico News Daily.
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