Reports say the man suffered a neck injury while body surfing. Photo: Facebook
A 29-year-old tourist died at Zicatela beach in Puerto Escondido on Wednesday, March 11, according to reports in Mexican media.
The first major south swell of the season is slamming the Mexican coast. Waves were up to 15 feet on Wednesday when the incident took place at La Punta on the south end of the beach.
Paramedics were unable to revive the victim with CPR. They noted that he had a serious injury to his neck, and it’s possible he broke it in the heavy surf and died instantly.
The identity of the victim has not been released. Reports say he was body surfing waves a meter and a half high with a friend. The friend noticed that the victim did not emerge from the water and found him unconscious. Life-saving measures were administered on the beach.
A series of south swells is expected to produce large waves and strong currents in Puerto Escondido for at least the next week. Local authorities urge tourists to avoid the ocean while such conditions persist.
