80-Year-Old Man Found Alive After Two Days Lost in Maya Jungle

Search team rescues 80-year-old man from dense Maya jungle in Felipe Carrillo Puerto

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo — An 80-year-old man who went missing for two days was found alive and suffering only from dehydration in the dense Maya jungle, authorities said Saturday.

Fermin Aguilar was located by a large search team that included government officials, family members, and local residents, according to the state Civil Protection agency.

“Thanks to the coordinated effort of government authorities, the invaluable participation of citizens, and the support of local landowners, Fermin Aguilar was found alive in the jungle of the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, where he had been lost for more than two days,” the agency said in a statement.

Aguilar was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation after being found dehydrated. Officials said his condition is not life-threatening.

The search operation involved the Quintana Roo Search Commission, the Mexican Army, the National Guard, the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office, the state Public Security Department, and canine units. A helicopter from Playa del Carmen was used to conduct aerial searches over the difficult terrain.

“We also thank the municipality of Playa del Carmen for providing the helicopter that assisted in the search efforts in this hard-to-access area,” officials added.

Discover more from Riviera Maya News

Sign up to receive a summary of the best news in your inbox, every day.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

By Javier Mendez

Javier Mendez covers public safety, law enforcement, and legal affairs in Quintana Roo. He monitors official reports from the FGE (State Prosecutor's Office), the Mexican Navy, and municipal police to deliver accurate English summaries of crime, trafficking cases, arrests, and court rulings affecting the Riviera Maya region.Javier has been covering crime and public safety news since 2023, reporting on cases ranging from felony arrests and human trafficking investigations to court proceedings and organized crime-related incidents across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. His reporting provides English-speaking residents and travelers with reliable, timely information about safety conditions in Quintana Roo's major tourist destinations.Javier works closely with official government sources and press offices to verify facts before publication, and maintains an archive of law enforcement communications to provide context for ongoing stories. He is dedicated to accurate, factual reporting on complex safety issues that affect both residents and visitors to the region.For story tips: javier@rivieramayanews.mx