A 25-year-old Cuban named Alside tragically drowned at Playa Linda, located in Puerto Madero within the Tapachula municipality of Chiapas, Mexico. He was swept away by the ocean's currents while swimming with family members during a beach outing.
His body was discovered on Tuesday, October 20, nearly two days after he went missing, as reported by Diario de Chiapas.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, October 18. Alside had gone to the beach with his 70-year-old father and other Cuban companions for a day of relaxation.
The Tragic Incident at Playa Linda
According to accounts provided to El Sol del Soconusco, Alside entered the water to swim, but the strong currents quickly overpowered him, preventing his return to the shore.
His family watched helplessly as he was swept away. This prompted a search that continued until Tuesday morning when his body was finally found.
The Search Efforts and Discovery
Following the report of his disappearance, search operations commenced along the coastal area of Puerto Madero, notorious for its dangerous marine currents.
On Monday, Alside's family anxiously awaited news. His father, who witnessed the ordeal, faced the anguish of not knowing his son's fate as he vanished beneath the waves.
The authorities confirmed finding a body near Puerto Madero on Tuesday morning. Alside's father identified the remains, as noted by local media.
The forensic services then took the body to the Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy, according to Cuarto Poder. The autopsy results have not been released yet, but the family maintains that Alside was dragged away by the sea currents while swimming.
Cuban Migrant Awaiting Refugee Status
Alside was in Tapachula, a city near the Guatemalan border, awaiting an immigration decision from the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR).
His father explained to local outlets that Alside had traveled there seeking better life opportunities. While waiting for his immigration status to be resolved, he stayed in Tapachula with other Cubans.
The ill-fated trip to Playa Linda on October 18 was meant to be a relaxing outing with his father and fellow countrymen.
Frequent Dangers for Cubans at Chiapas Beaches
Playa Linda and other coastal regions in Puerto Madero are known for their perilous conditions, including strong currents and undertows, posing significant risks to swimmers.
Alside's death is one of several incidents involving Cuban nationals in the area this year. In August, a 17-year-old Cuban was rescued after being caught in a rip current at Playa San Benito, also in Puerto Madero.
Later that month, on August 29, a 30-year-old Cuban woman and a Honduran woman narrowly escaped drowning at the same beach. They were saved by municipal police and Mexican Navy personnel.
In April, seven people were rescued in one day from the beaches of San Benito, Puerto Madero, and Playa Linda. During the summer, the Navy deployed 78 personnel in Tapachula as part of the "Operación Salvavidas" (Operation Lifesaver).
Understanding the Risks at Puerto Madero Beaches
Why are the beaches in Puerto Madero dangerous?
Beaches in Puerto Madero, including Playa Linda, are known for their strong currents and undertows, which pose a significant risk to swimmers.
What measures are in place to prevent drownings in Tapachula?
The Mexican Navy conducts "Operation Lifesaver," deploying personnel to monitor and assist at-risk swimmers along the beaches of Tapachula.
How common are rescue operations for Cuban nationals in this area?
Rescue operations for Cuban nationals are relatively common in this region, as strong currents frequently put swimmers at risk.