Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: CEN

The Mexican authorities have torn down a metal fence erected on the beach by an American couple who claimed that “part of the sea” belongs to them because climate change had sent water into their home.

According to local media, the American residents, who live on the Caribbean beach of Santa Clara in the southern Mexican state of Yucatan, blamed climate change for sending seawater into their beachfront home.

Despite being banned, the couple decided to erect a fence that went from their property into the sea.

Pictures Credit: CEN & CEN/Twitter & CEN/@RodriVazquezz

However, the metal fence was later torn down by the Mexican authorities after neighbours complained that it blocked access.

A spokesperson for the sustainable development secretary in Yucatan told local media that Mexican beaches need to be kept “free and open”.

The American woman, identified as Anne Cleasey, said on social media that she understood her neighbours’ displeasure with the fence and agreed that the local authorities had every right to demolish it.

However, it may not be enough to stop the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) from fining the couple.

Meanwhile, the American husband, identified as Quenzie, told local media that he built the fence because climate change caused seawater to go into his home and therefore “part of the sea” belonged to him.