Authorities have revealed that three missing surfers in Mexico were shot before their bodies were dumped in a well.
Two Australian brothers, Jake and Callum Robinson, and a friend from the United States, Jack Carter Rhode, were travelling through Baja California in Mexico when they went missing last week.
Their idyllic surf trip around Ensenada took a tragic turn after the three failed to turn up at an Airbnb, and their families didn’t hear from them.
Local authorities confirmed on Sunday that three bodies had been found, and families of the victims have since identified the remains.
Investigators claim that the surfers were likely killed after assailants tried to steal tyres from their truck. However, other theories have also swirled on social media about the nature of the killings and potential cartel involvement.
The deaths have led to an outpouring of grief from the surfing community, some of whom have called for greater safety measures to be enforced.
At a local demonstration, a woman held up a sign that read, "They only wanted to surf – we demand safe beaches”, while another read: “Ensenada is a mass grave”.
Mexico is a tourist hotspot known for its endless beaches, spectacular surf, vibrant culture and signature food.
However, the nation also has a darker undertone, having some of the highest murder rates in the world. Most violent incidents occur away from tourist destinations and in local communities. However, visitors are urged to take added care in Mexico.
Here’s what you need to know about safety in Mexico.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
In 2022, more than 38 million international tourists reportedly entered Mexico, and many of these trips went smoothly.
However, according to the latest FCDO advice, travel guidance is in place for many parts of Mexico, and travellers should always exercise extreme caution.
Most places where travel isn’t advised include rural and mountainous areas away from typical tourist hotspots.
This includes warnings about all but essential travel to various parts of Tijuana and parts of Chiapas, Colima, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.
Mexico is an enormous country with many major tourist destinations, including the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico City, and Oaxaca. The Latin American country largely relies on tourism, and many Brits visit the country and have a positive experience.
However, drug-related criminal activity, kidnappings, extortions and robberies do happen, and there have been cases of tourists being caught in the crossfire of warring organised crime groups. Exercise caution, be alert, and don’t show off your valuables.
How to stay safe in Mexico
As with all overseas travel, there’s always a risk of something going wrong.
Indeed, there are higher chances of being a victim of crime in some parts of Mexico; however, you can exercise caution to mitigate the risks. Here are some tips on staying safe:
- Avoid areas where FCDO advises against travel
- Try to stay in tourist destinations, instead of isolated or remote places
- Conceal expensive belongings, and don’t show off your gadgets
- Separate your valuables and money into different spots
- Avoid being on your phone
- Be vigilant when using ATMs and look out for scammers
- Try to travel during daytime hours
- Consider learning some basic Spanish phrases in case you need help
